FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against several Argentina players following a series of incidents during the recent World Cup. The governing body is investigating reports of players striking opponents from Spain shortly after the July 19 final, which Spain won 1-0. Additionally, the Argentine soccer federation faces charges related to the display of a political banner during the tournament.
Specific allegations involve midfielder Leandro Paredes, who faces three charges of assault, while defender Nahuel Molina is facing two charges. Coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation for one charge of assault. Furthermore, Molina and Thiago Almada have been charged with unsporting behavior, a charge also leveled against Spanish player Gavi.
Beyond the player-specific incidents, FIFA is investigating the Argentine soccer federation for the display of a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas"—or "The Malvinas are Argentine"—following their 2-1 semifinal victory against England. The Falkland Islands, referred to by Argentina as Islas Malvinas, were the site of a 10-week war in 1982 after an invasion ordered by the country's then-military dictatorship. Following requests from British government officials for an investigation, FIFA categorized the act as "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature."
The list of disciplinary cases against Argentina also encompasses broader allegations, including "discriminatory chants and gestures" by fans, an alleged assault involving an assistant coach following the final, and the "throwing of objects by spectators" across multiple matches throughout the tournament.
FIFA confirmed that all individuals and entities named in the charges have been granted the opportunity to present their positions. A final decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course.
