FIFA probes Argentina players over post-final clash with Spain

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FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents involving players and officials after their World Cup final defeat to Spain and other events during the tournament.

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The world football governing body launched the investigation after appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine events that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in July.

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Several Argentina players and members of the backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players following the final, prompting FIFA to review the incidents.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, on the recommendation of the prosecutor, FIFA will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, over alleged assault offences under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.

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Molina is also facing a separate investigation for alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article, alongside Argentina teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi.

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Under FIFA regulations, players and officials found guilty of unsporting conduct could receive at least a one-match suspension, while assault offences carry a minimum suspension of three matches.

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The Argentine Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings over several possible breaches during the tournament, including the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and breaches of match order and security regulations.

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FIFA’s investigation includes incidents involving discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages displayed by players or supporters, and objects being thrown during matches.

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Argentina had also attracted attention during the tournament after players celebrated their semi-final victory over England with a banner supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

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The banner carried the message, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine.”

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FIFA is now expected to review the evidence before deciding on any potential sanctions against the Argentine players, officials and football association.

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PUNCH Online had reported that FIFA had opened an inquiry into a scuffle between Argentine and Spanish players immediately after the World Cup final in New Jersey, a match Spain won 1-0 to knock Argentina from the throne they’d held since 2022.

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