FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association over a Falklands-themed banner displayed after their World Cup semi-final win over England, and for other misconduct including charges from the final against Spain.
The banner, which bore the message 'Las Malvinas son argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), was paraded by players including Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso after Argentina's dramatic 2-1 victory over the Three Lions earlier this month. Lo Celso was seen placing the flag on the ground in front of jubilant Argentine supporters in Atlanta.
FIFA Charges Include Falklands Banner and Final Brawl
FIFA's disciplinary action covers the banner display as well as the conduct of several players throughout the tournament. 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.'
Additional charges from the World Cup final itself include assault counts against Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes for their roles in a post-match brawl. Molina faces two counts (one completed and one attempted), while Paredes faces three counts. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala is also facing one count. Molina and Thiago Almada are additionally charged with unsporting behaviour, along with Spain midfielder Gavi.
Controversy Surrounds Infantino and World Cup Proposal
Argentina ultimately lost the final 1-0 to Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time to clinch victory for Luis de la Fuente's side. They had secured their place in the final with a contentious semi-final triumph over England, where Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead before strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez overturned the match.
The charges follow a leaked letter from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, in which he praised Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia for the 'professionalism' his team displayed throughout the tournament. Controversy persists around FIFA and Infantino, having revealed a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to foreign investors – a scheme that has encountered substantial resistance from UEFA, the FA and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
