FIFA launches disciplinary case against Argentina over World Cup incidents

The most serious allegations stem from Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where confrontations broke out between players and staff from both teams after the final whistle. FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, who recommended formal proceedings against several individuals.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces the most severe charges, with three counts of alleged assault under Article 14 of FIFA's disciplinary code after he was involved in a confrontation with Spain defender Eric García. Defender Nahuel Molina is charged with two counts of alleged assault, as well as a separate count of alleged unsporting behaviour. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also faces an assault charge, while Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi have both been charged with alleged unsporting behaviour.

Under FIFA's disciplinary regulations, assault can carry a minimum three-match suspension, while unsporting behaviour is punishable by at least a one-match ban.

Argentina's Football Association is also facing disciplinary action over a number of alleged breaches across multiple matches during the tournament. These include team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures, breaches of match order and security regulations, late kick-offs, failure to comply with security protocols, spectators throwing objects and the display of inappropriate messages by players and supporters.

One of the key areas under investigation is the banner displayed by Argentina's players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England. Several members of the squad celebrated with a sign reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"), referring to the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.

FIFA is assessing whether the banner breached Article 13 of its disciplinary code, which prohibits using sporting events for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. The incident sparked political debate, with then-UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson insisting "the Falkland Islands definitely are" British, while Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA taskforce, defended the players on free speech grounds.

It is not the first time Argentina has been sanctioned over the issue. In 2014, FIFA fined the federation after players displayed a similar banner before an international friendly against Slovenia.

FIFA confirmed that those facing disciplinary proceedings have now been given the opportunity to respond before the disciplinary committee reaches a final decision.

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