FIFA has confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against several Argentina players, coaches, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following the controversial World Cup final defeat to Spain. The governing body announced the investigation on Wednesday, citing multiple incidents during and after the match.
Player Charges
Leandro Paredes faces the most serious individual charges, with three counts of assault. Teammate Nahuel Molina has been charged with two counts of assault—one completed and one attempted—along with a charge of unsporting behaviour. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also faces an assault charge. Additionally, Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi have been charged with unsporting behaviour for their roles in the post-match melee.
Potential Sanctions
FIFA has not yet imposed any sanctions, but its disciplinary code provides guidance. Under the code, assault against an opponent or any other person who is not a match official carries a minimum three-match suspension per offence. If found guilty on all charges, Paredes could theoretically face a nine-match ban, though previous cases suggest a five- or six-match suspension may be more realistic. Molina could also receive a lengthy ban, while Ayala risks a touchline suspension. Unsporting behaviour offences typically carry a minimum one-match ban.
Charges Against the AFA
The Argentine Football Association faces proceedings over several incidents, including discriminatory chants and gestures, display of inappropriate messages by players and supporters, failure to comply with match and security protocols, late kick-offs, spectators throwing objects, and potential political demonstrations. Among the incidents under investigation is a banner displayed after Argentina's semi-final victory over England that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"), which FIFA considers a possible breach of rules prohibiting political messages at matches.
Possible Penalties for AFA
If the charges against the AFA are upheld, the association could face significant financial sanctions. In the most serious cases, FIFA also has the power to order partial or full stadium closures for future home internationals, though no decision has been made yet. At this stage, FIFA has only opened proceedings and has not imposed any sporting or financial punishments.
Next Steps
Both the AFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation will have the opportunity to respond to the charges before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee reaches a final verdict. The associations can submit evidence and representations. Once the process concludes, FIFA is expected to announce any sanctions that may follow one of the most controversial endings to a World Cup final in recent history.
