FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for the Falklands banner they brandished at the World Cup, as well as assault charges stemming from the final.
FIFA Charges Argentina Over Falklands Banner
After Argentina overcame England 2-1 in the semi-final, players unveiled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," which translates to 'The Falklands are Argentine.' It was carried by Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero and former Spurs star Giovanni Lo Celso, who celebrated in front of Argentina fans while holding it in Atlanta. FIFA, which has strict rules on political expression within stadiums, quickly opened an investigation.
FIFA has since decided there is enough grounds to charge Argentina with three offences, although it is unclear when or if a punishment will be administered. In an official statement, FIFA charged Argentina with: "Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discrimination and racist abuse, as well as order and security at matches 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 several matches."
Assault Charges After the Final
Among the other matches being examined by FIFA is the final itself. Charges have been brought against Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes for assault relating to their involvement in a post-match fracas following the final. Molina faces two counts, one completed and one attempted, while Boca Juniors star Paredes faces three separate charges. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala is also confronting one count. Molina and Thiago Almada are separately facing FIFA accusations of unsporting conduct, alongside Spain midfielder Gavi.
The charges come after a leaked correspondence from FIFA president Gianni Infantino was made public, in which he commended Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia for the "professionalism" his squad showed during the tournament.
Infantino's Controversy
Argentina eventually fell 1-0 to Spain in the final, with Ferran Torres' extra-time strike sealing triumph for Luis de la Fuente's team. They booked their spot in the final following a controversial semi-final victory over England. Anthony Gordon had fired the Three Lions in front, only for goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to turn the tie around and leave England heartbroken.
Despite the World Cup ending, the controversy is still following FIFA. Gianni Infantino's recent plans to sell a portion of the World Cup to foreign investors have enraged many in football. It has already been met by fierce opposition from UEFA, the FA and even UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
