FIFA charge Argentina after World Cup final brawl as Falklands banner sparks fresh controversy

Argentina are facing multiple disciplinary proceedings from FIFA following a series of incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the chaotic aftermath of the World Cup final defeat to Spain and the display of a politically charged “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner after the semi-final victory over England.

World football’s governing body confirmed on Wednesday that it has opened cases against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several players and assistant coach Roberto Ayala over alleged breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The most serious individual allegations relate to the ill-tempered scenes that erupted after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the World Cup final on July 19.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been charged with three counts of assault following clashes with Spain players, while defender Nahuel Molina faces two assault charges. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged, with Molina, Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi additionally accused of unsporting behaviour.

The AFA is also under investigation after Argentina’s squad displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas are Argentine”) following their 2-1 semi-final win over England.

Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as the Malvinas, a long-standing territorial dispute with the United Kingdom that remains politically sensitive more than four decades after the 1982 Falklands War. FIFA has charged the federation with “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.”

In addition to those incidents, FIFA is examining allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, throwing of objects by spectators, team misconduct, late kick-offs, and failures to comply with security and match protocols during several Argentina matches at the tournament. FIFA said all individuals and the Argentine Football Association have been given the opportunity to submit their responses before its Disciplinary Committee reaches a final verdict.

The governing body has not indicated when sanctions will be announced, but the proceedings could result in player suspensions, fines or other disciplinary measures depending on the committee’s findings.

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