FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, due to altercations with Spain players that occurred after the World Cup final in New Jersey earlier this month.
Following a weeklong investigation into the incidents that overshadowed the postmatch celebrations at MetLife Stadium, FIFA has also opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) for alleged violations of regulations during “multiple matches” at the tournament.
Additionally, Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s midfielder Gavi have also been subjected to proceedings for alleged unsporting behavior.
However, the most serious proceedings are directed at Paredes, Molina, and Ayala concerning on-field confrontations with Gavi, Rodri, and Dani Olmo.
If proven guilty, Paredes, Molina, and Ayala could face significant suspensions.
“According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have been given the chance to present their case, after which a ruling will be made by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee,” FIFA stated in a recent announcement.
The proceedings against the AFA include investigations into chanting and inappropriate messages, including political references regarding the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims as the Islas Malvinas, while the United Kingdom currently administers the territory.
Argentina players displayed a banner stating “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Malvinas Islands are Argentinian) before leaving it on the pitch after their semifinal victory over England.
The AFA is also facing scrutiny over allegations of racist abuse.
FIFA’s statement elaborated: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has commenced proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for possible infractions 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 due to discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, noncompliance with match and security protocols, inappropriate messages from the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators during various matches of Argentina’s representative team at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final on July 12, with the decisive goal scored by Ferran Torres in extra time. Lionel Scaloni’s squad aimed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.