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FIFA opens proceedings
FIFA opened a disciplinary procedure against Argentina and several individuals after incidents following the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
“La Comisión Disciplinaria de la FIFA ha abierto un procedimiento disciplinario”
El Faro de Ceuta said the disciplinary committee will investigate the incidents based on a report by the FIFA ethics instructor and that the procedure affects the AFA, players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, and coach Roberto Fabián Ayala, as well as Spain midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, “Gavi”.
The Guardian reported that FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over a Falklands Islands banner displayed after their World Cup semi-final win against England in Atlanta, and it linked the case to FIFA’s disciplinary code prohibition on “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
CBS News added that FIFA lodged disciplinary charges against two Argentina players for striking Spain opponents moments after the final and charged Argentina’s federation for players showing a political banner after beating England in the semifinals.
Charges and quotes
FIFA’s disciplinary code provisions cited by El Faro de Ceuta include article 13 on using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, article 14 on conduct, article 15 on discrimination and racist aggressions, and article 17 on order and security of matches.
El Faro de Ceuta said FIFA is investigating Nahuel Molina for two aggression charges, one completed and one in attempted, and for unsporting conduct, while it said Leandro Paredes faces three aggression charges and Thiago Almada is investigated for unsporting conduct.
The Guardian described the post-final chaos as altercations across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium, and it said Leandro Paredes faces three counts of assault while Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault (one completed and one attempted) and one count of unsporting behaviour.
In a statement quoted by The Guardian, FIFA said: “In accordance with the Fifa disciplinary code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the Fifa disciplinary committee in due course,” and it also noted that the banner prompted political debate on both sides of the Atlantic.
What’s at stake next
The Guardian said FIFA’s full World Cup charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association includes “discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols” and “throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches”.
““discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols””
El Faro de Ceuta reported that all those implicated will now have the possibility of presenting their version of the facts and formulating allegations before FIFA adopts a definitive resolution, and it framed the investigation as covering both the final and the incidents after the match.
Buenos Aires Herald said FIFA announced the AFA faces sanctions ranging from warnings and economic fines to suspension of the national team and Argentine representatives in international competitions, while it said players could be sanctioned with game bans, fines and even the possibility of extended period bans.
El Faro de Ceuta also reported that campaigns on Change.org sought to withdraw the Premio Princesa de Asturias from Leo Messi, and it said one petition with more than 1.500 signatures argued the player did not represent “restituir la confianza en la justicia y el rigor de estos galardones” and that the captain showed “antideportivo y contrario a los valores de respeto” behavior during the final and the post-match ceremony.
