In brief
Following Argentina’s 1‑0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings over alleged assault and unsporting behaviour involving several Argentine players and staff. The prosecutor has identified players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes for assault, Molina also for unsporting conduct, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, teammate Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi for similar breaches. Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, the sanctions could include at least a one‑match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and a minimum three‑match suspension for assault. In addition, the Argentine Football Association faces potential disciplinary action for a range of alleged breaches, including the use of a sports event for political demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and breaches of match security, exemplified by a Falklands‑support banner during the semi‑final.
After Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain in the World Cup final, FIFA announced it was opening disciplinary proceedings over alleged assault and unsporting conduct involving several Argentine players and staff.
The prosecutor identified Argentina’s Nahuel Molina for two counts of assault and one count of unsporting behaviour, Leandro Paredes for three counts of assault, assistant coach Roberto Ayala for one count of assault, teammate Thiago Almada, and Spain’s Gavi for the same breach.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, unsporting conduct can lead to at least a one‑match suspension, while assault may result in a minimum three‑match ban.
Separately, the Argentine Football Association faces potential disciplinary action for multiple alleged breaches, including using a sporting event for non‑sporting demonstrations (article 13), team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaches of match order and security (article 17). These allegations stem from incidents such as discriminatory chants, inappropriate messages during matches, and a banner supporting Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands displayed during the semi‑final win over England.
