Read for 2 minutesUpdated: 30 July 2026 12:08 AM IST
FIFA filed disciplinary charges against two Argentina players for off-field behavior against Spain after Wednesday’s World Cup final. They also accused Argentina’s football federation of displaying a political banner about the Falkland Islands after they beat England in the semi-finals.
The list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina included “discriminatory chants and gestures” from fans, an alleged assault by an assistant coach after the final and “throwing of objects by spectators in connection with several matches”.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faced three charges of assault in post-match clashes after Spain’s 1-0 win on July 19, defender Nahuel Molina faced two and coach Roberto Ayala one.
Molina and Thiago Almada have also been accused of lewd behaviour, as has Spain’s Gavi.
Paredes, who was seen brawling with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi, was given a red card which has since been ‘removed’ by the sport’s governing body, according to the BBC.
It’s unclear what the provocation was but in videos floating around social media, Garcia can be seen falling to the ground seconds after the referee blew the final whistle. He then gets up and has a heated exchange with Paredes who then pushes Garcia away with a hand on the latter’s neck.
In addition, Argentina defender Molina also tried to knock Spain captain Rodri who was running onto the field to celebrate the victory. Ayala of Argentina’s coaching staff was also seen trying to punch Dani Olmo in the face. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players rushed to defuse the situation.
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After defeating England 2–1 in the semi-final, Argentina’s players carried a banner reading “Las Malvinas Putra Argentinas” – “The Malvinas Argentinas”.
British government officials called on FIFA to investigate, and the body said on Wednesday that the formal charges were “using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.”
“All those accused have now been given the opportunity to present their case, after which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course,” FIFA said.