PARIS, France: FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against several Argentina players and a team official over incidents following the country’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, world football’s governing body announced on Wednesday.
The investigation follows confrontations between Argentina and Spain players after the final whistle of Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in New York.
Argentina’s Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Leandro Paredes and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, along with Spain midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira (Gavi), are under investigation over alleged offences ranging from assault to unsporting behaviour.
FIFA Probes Falklands Banner
FIFA has also launched a separate investigation into Argentina players’ actions after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England, when members of the squad displayed a banner reading: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”).
The governing body said it was examining possible breaches of its disciplinary code relating to the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.
Multiple Alleged Violations
In a statement, FIFA said the proceedings cover potential violations involving team misconduct, discrimination, racist abuse, security and match protocols.
The investigation will also examine allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, failure to comply with security procedures, the display of inappropriate messages by players and supporters, and the throwing of objects by spectators during several of Argentina’s matches at the tournament.
FIFA has not indicated when a decision on the disciplinary cases is expected.
