NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 29 July 2026 — 3 min read

Disciplinary proceedings initiated

Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following their conduct after the World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament. This action comes after the world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate events that occurred after the final whistle at the stadium where the match was held. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were reportedly involved in altercations with Spain players after their 1-0 defeat in July.

Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate several individuals. These include Argentina players Nahuel Molina, who faces two counts, and Leandro Paredes, who faces three counts. Additionally, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is under investigation for one count. All these investigations are for alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa‘s disciplinary code.

Molina may also face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under article 14. Teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach. Under Fifa‘s disciplinary code, players and officials could face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and at least three matches for assault.

Breaches by the Argentinian Football Association

The Argentinian Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches. These include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, as outlined in article 13 of the disciplinary code. Other potential breaches include team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).

The alleged breaches related to order and security involve discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the team and spectators displaying inappropriate messages, and spectators throwing objects. One notable incident occurred after Argentina‘s semi-final win over England, where players celebrated with a banner. The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine,” in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

This display followed their 2-1 victory in the semi-final. The dispute over the Falkland Islands, which have been under British rule since 1833, has been ongoing and led to a 74-day conflict in 1982. Fifa‘s disciplinary code prohibits using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. This incident was not the first time an Argentina team had expressed such sentiments; in 2014, Fifa fined Argentina for a larger banner displayed before a friendly match.

The comprehensive charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association also details “discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches.”

Investigation into post-final scenes

Several players are under investigation concerning the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina‘s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the final. Altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch as Spain attempted to celebrate their victory.

Leandro Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, faces three counts of assault under the Fifa disciplinary code. Defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault and one count of unsporting behaviour. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault, and Thiago Almada, an unused substitute in the final, faces one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain‘s Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.

According to Fifa, the respondents have been given the opportunity to present their position, after which the Fifa disciplinary committee will issue a decision.

Source: bbc.com