FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association following incidents during the 2026 World Cup semi-final and final. The governing body will investigate potential breaches of its code related to a political banner, discriminatory chants, and a post-match brawl.
Falklands Banner and Political Demonstration
After Argentina defeated England in the semi-final, players unfurled a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', referencing their claim over the Falkland Islands. The 1982 Falklands War, initiated by Argentina's invasion, lasted 74 days and resulted in 255 British and 649 Argentine deaths. FIFA's disciplinary committee cited article 13 paragraph 2 c) of its code, which prohibits using sports events for non-sporting demonstrations.
Multiple Code Breaches Alleged
In a statement, FIFA said: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for potential breaches of article 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), article 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in light of 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 of the representative team of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026.'
Assault and Unsporting Behaviour in Final
FIFA also opened proceedings against two Argentine players and one coach for assault after a brawl following the final against Spain. The committee received a report from the Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor and opened cases for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 i) (assault) against Nahuel Molina (two counts, one completed and one attempted), Leandro Paredes (three counts), and official Roberto Ayala (one count). Additionally, proceedings for unsporting behaviour under article 14 paragraph 1 b) were opened against Molina (one count), Thiago Almada (one count), and Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known as Gavi (one count).
Ongoing Investigation
The disciplinary committee will review evidence and may impose sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
