FIFA have announced the next steps of action following incidents between Argentina, England and Spain
Argentina’s players holding a banner referencing their claim to the Falkland Islands(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
FIFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for their various controversial incidents at the World Cup.
The governing body has listed six assault charges following Spain’s win in the final, plus the politically-charged nature of Argentina’s Falklands banner in the semi-final. Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Argentinian coach Roberto Ayala and Spain’s Gavi could all face bans for their roles in the chaos.
The South Americans also displayed a banner following their 2-1 win over England in the semi-final that read, ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas,’ or ‘The Falklands are Argentine.’ Cristian Romero, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso are also at risk of suspension after holding up the political banner.
A statement read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for potential breaches of article 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), article 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
In ugly scenes following Spain’s win, Paredes was seen holding Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat. Video evidence also captured Molina striking Manchester City star Rodri as he rushed past him during the post-match celebrations.
The World Cup ended in chaos(Image: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Ayala was also observed aggressively raising his hands to the neck of Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo. Meanwhile, Almada and Gavi were spotted clashing during the chaos, with the former seemingly forcing the midfielder to the turf.
A further statement read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has received the report of the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor concerning incidents that occurred during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final (Spain v. Argentina).
“Following the recommendation contained therein, I.T. has opened disciplinary proceedings – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 i) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (assault) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (two counts, one completed and one attempted) and Leandro Paredes (three counts) and Argentinian official Roberto Ayala (one count).
A number of Argentina players are facing bans(Image: Elsa/Getty Images)
“Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened – for potential breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 b) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (unsporting behaviour) – against Argentinian players Nahuel Molina (one count) and Thiago Almada (one count) and Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (one count).”
According to the code, FIFA have the power to force a global ban, with previous examples including Luis Suarez being banned from all footballing activities for four months for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
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