FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina concerning their conduct following their World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate events after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players.
Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, FIFA will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina (two counts) and Leandro Paredes (three counts), along with Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one count), for alleged assault under article 14 of FIFA’s disciplinary code. Molina may also face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article. Team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of similar breaches.
Post-Match Altercations and Misconduct
The disciplinary actions stem from a heated post-match incident where Molina reportedly struck Rodri, and Paredes was observed grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground. Tensions escalated after Enzo Fernandez was sent off during the match, leading to the confrontation between the two sets of players at full-time. FIFA’s statement emphasized the seriousness of the alleged breaches, indicating that the players’ conduct is being reviewed under the code of ethics.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, players and officials found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct face at least a one-match suspension, while those found guilty of assault face a minimum of three matches. The investigation into these specific clashes in the final is being managed by a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor.
Beyond the physical altercations, Argentina also faced criticism during the post-match presentation ceremony. Reports indicate that as Spain gathered to lift the trophy, Argentina’s players turned towards their supporters, deliberately turning their backs on the Spanish team, which was seen as a visible sign of disrespect during the celebrations.
Political Messaging and Other Breaches
The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches during the tournament. These include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (article 13), team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).
One significant incident involved the Argentina players celebrating their semi-final win over England by displaying a banner in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner read, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This action directly contravenes FIFA’s long-standing regulations against displaying political messages during sanctioned international matches.
The AFA’s investigation also covers discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators. The governing body noted that these charges relate to the display of “inappropriate messages” by the team and supporters, alongside the “throwing of objects by spectators” during several of Argentina’s fixtures throughout the tournament. The IFAB maintains a strict stance prohibiting any political flags or symbols within stadiums.
The incident with the banner has sparked broader discussions. The White House reportedly defended the players’ right to free expression, with Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup task force, stating that the players had the “ability” to express themselves and referencing the U.S.’ First Amendment rights concerning free speech. FIFA is investigating these actions as part of its comprehensive review of Argentina’s conduct during the World Cup.
Source: bbc.com
