FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina FA, three players over Falklands banner and World Cup final brawl

By: Jessica Hopkins Share: 427

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), three of its players, and a coach following altercations at the World Cup final and the display of a Falklands banner during the tournament.

The disciplinary arm of world football's governing body has launched investigations into the following individuals:

• Leandro Paredes – three counts of assault
• Nahuel Molina – two counts of assault, plus one count of unsporting behaviour
• Roberto Ayala (Argentina coach) – one count of assault
• Thiago Almada (Argentina) – one count of unsporting behaviour
• Gavi (Spain) – one count of unsporting behaviour

FIFA confirmed the charges in a statement on Wednesday.

AFA Facing Multiple Allegations

Beyond the individual breaches, the FIFA disciplinary committee has also opened proceedings against the AFA for:

• "Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature"
• Team misconduct
• "Discrimination and racist abuse"
• "Order and security at matches"

According to FIFA, these charges relate to the display of "inappropriate messages" by the team and fans, as well as the "throwing of objects by spectators" during "several" Argentina matches.

World Cup Final Brawl

Argentina lost the World Cup final against Spain on July 19, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in extra time after Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was sent off. After the full-time whistle, unsavoury scenes broke out between the two finalists.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain midfielder Rodri in the stomach. A wider melee then saw Leandro Paredes grab Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground. FIFA confirmed after the match that the clashes would be investigated via a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor.

The brawl was one of multiple controversies involving Argentina during their bid to defend their world title.

Falklands Banner Controversy

Following Argentina's win against England in Atlanta, the squad unfurled a banner during on-pitch celebrations that read: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas are Argentine).

Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi held the banner, which had first been displayed by supporters in the crowd. It was briefly put away before being laid out on the pitch at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

"Las Malvinas" is the term used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British dependency located approximately 300 miles (480 km) off the east coast of mainland Argentina.

Historical Context

The dispute dates back to British invasions of Argentina during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Britain initially claimed the Falklands in 1774 and reasserted its rule in 1832. In 1982, Argentina's military government invaded in an attempt to take the territory from the United Kingdom. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 and ended with an Argentine surrender. In total, three civilians, 255 British troops, and 649 Argentine troops died.

FIFA and IFAB Rules

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), football's lawmakers, and FIFA's stadium code of conduct maintain a clear prohibition on the display of political flags, slogans, and symbols.

However, the White House defended the Argentina team's right to free speech over the banner. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the World Cup organizing committee, commented on the matter.