FIFA Launches Disciplinary Action Against Argentina Over Falklands Banner

Published 29 July 2026 · sports

FIFA Launches Disciplinary Action Against Argentina Over Falklands Banner Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 23:50 IST FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina for misconduct

FIFA Launches Disciplinary Action Against Argentina Over Falklands Banner Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 23:50 IST FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina for misconduct, including Falklands banner, player assaults and fan issues after World Cup final. Rapid Read Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso holds a banner with the words "The Malvinas are Argentine". (AP Photo) FIFA has opened proceedings against the Argentine football association, the players unfurling a Falkland Islands banner at the end of the World Cup semifinal against England and the footballers involved in a physical altercation with Spanish counterparts, according to a report in The Athletic. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Leandro Paredes over three alleged counts of assault, while Nahuel Molina faces two charges for the same offence.

Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged with one count of assault. Molina is being investigated for one count of unsporting behaviour as well, while Argentina team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi face similar charges, FIFA confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. Beyond the individual charges, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against the AFA for alleged breaches including the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, as well as failures related to order and security at games. FIFA said that these charges are linked to the display of ‘inappropriate messages’ by the team and supporters, along with the throwing of objects by spectators during ‘multiple’ Argentina games.

Argentina suffered a loss in the FIFA World Cup final against Spain after Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner, with the former also reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez’s red card on Sunday, July 19. After the final whistle, Spain’s footballers and staff ran onto the field to celebrate their win, but the celebrations were overshadowed by heated exchanges between members of both teams. Molina appeared to strike Spain midfielder Rodri in the stomach before tensions escalated into a larger melee. During the confrontation, Paredes appeared to grab Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground. FIFA later confirmed that the incidents would be reviewed by its disciplinary and ethics prosecutor.