FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association following a series of controversial incidents at the 2026 World Cup. The governing body has listed six assault charges stemming from the final against Spain, as well as a political banner displayed after the semi-final victory over England.
Disciplinary Proceedings Opened
A statement from FIFA read: "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."
The banner, held by Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Giovani Lo Celso, read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falklands are Argentine') after Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the semi-final.
Assault Charges Detailed
Following Spain's victory in the final, several altercations occurred. Leandro Paredes was seen holding Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat, while Nahuel Molina struck Manchester City's Rodri during post-match celebrations. Argentinian coach Roberto Ayala was observed raising his hands to the neck of Barcelona's Dani Olmo. Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi clashed, with Almada forcing Gavi to the turf.
A further FIFA statement said: "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). Following the recommendation contained therein, I.T. 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 were also opened for unsporting behaviour against Nahuel Molina (one count), Thiago Almada (one count), and Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) (one count).
Potential Bans
According to FIFA's disciplinary code, the governing body has the power to impose global bans. A previous example includes Luis Suarez being banned from all footballing activities for four months for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
