Disciplinary Proceedings Against Argentina

By Arjun Nair / 30.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 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. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate events after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players after a 1-0 defeat in July.

Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, along with Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Molina faces two counts, Paredes three counts, and Ayala one count 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. Additionally, teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are 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.

Allegations Against the Argentinian Football Association

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

The breaches related to order and security involve discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects. One notable incident involved Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final win over England with a banner. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine), expressed support for their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

This display occurred after Argentina’s 2-1 victory against England in Atlanta. The dispute over the islands, which have been under British rule since 1833, is a long-standing issue that led to a 74-day conflict in 1982, resulting in the deaths of over 900 people. Fifa’s disciplinary code prohibits using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.

Previous Incidents and Next Steps

This is not the first instance where an Argentina team has expressed such sentiments. In 2014, Fifa fined Argentina £20,000 for a larger banner displayed by players before a friendly match with Slovenia in La Plata. The current charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association also includes various other alleged infractions related to several matches.

The chaotic scenes following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the final are also under investigation. Altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain attempted to celebrate. Leandro Paredes, for example, was observed wrestling Spain’s Eric García to the ground. Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault and one count of unsporting behaviour, while Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault. Thiago Almada, an unused substitute in the final, and Spain’s Gavi also face unsporting behaviour charges.

Fifa has stated that the respondents have been given the opportunity to present their position. A decision from the Fifa disciplinary committee is expected in due course.

Source: bbc.com