FIFA opens case against Argentina over Falklands banner and World Cup final brawl
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association after their side’s antics against England and Spain in the World Cup.
The footballing governing bodywill look at potential breaches of its code by Argentine players in the World Cup semi-finals and final.
After beating England in a dramatic semi-final, Argentine players unfurled a banner which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, referring to their country’s claim over the Falkland Islands.
44 years ago, the South American country sought to invade and occupy the Falklands but ultimately surrendered after a 74-day war, which cost the lives of 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentinian personnel.
As well as the banner, FIFA are also investigating the Argentine FA over potential breaches relating to discrimination, racist abuse, as well as throwing of objects by fans at ‘several’ matches at the tournament.
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.’
In addition, FIFA has also opened proceedings against two Argentinian players, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, and coach Roberto Ayala for assault after an ugly brawl broke out following full-time in the World Cup final.
Separately, Molina and Thiago Almada are both under investigation for unsporting behaviour, as is Spanish midfielder Gavi.
‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has received the report of the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor concerning incidents that occurred during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final (Spain v. Argentina),’ the statement continued.
‘Following the recommendation contained therein, it has opened disciplinary proceedings – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 i) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (assault) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (two counts, one completed and one attempted) and Leandro Paredes (three counts) and Argentinian official Roberto Ayala (one count). Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 b) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (unsporting behaviour) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (one count) and Thiago Almada (one count) and Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (one count).’
Argentina defender Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, sparking a fight between both sides.
Boca Juniors midfielder Paredes was then seen grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground.
And in a separate incident, assistant coach Ayala was captured punching Barcelona’s Dani Olmo in the face after a brief verbal spat.
More to follow…
