FIFA has launched disciplinary action against Argentina following incidents in their final two matches of the World Cup. The South Americans sparked controversy after their semi-final win against England when players displayed a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falklands are Argentine'), violating rules against political statements.
Further disorder occurred after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, where a violent melee involving players and coaching staff broke out. FIFA confirmed it has opened proceedings against the Argentine FA after assessing match reports.
Specific Charges
FIFA cited discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and throwing of objects by spectators at several matches.
The governing body stated potential breaches include: 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.
Assault Charges
FIFA charged Argentine players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala with assault. Paredes faces three counts, Molina two counts (one completed and one attempted), and Ayala one count. Molina and Thiago Almada also face charges of unsporting behaviour (one count each), as does Spanish player Gavi (one count).
Paredes was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat; Molina was caught on video striking Manchester City's Rodri; Ayala raised his hands into the neck of Barcelona's Dani Olmo. Almada and Gavi clashed, with Almada appearing to force Gavi to the ground.
