FIFA has accused Argentina of World Cup charges, citing a brawl after the final against Spain and a banner reading “Malvinas” after the match against England.
Published July 29, 2026
FIFA disciplined two Argentina players for punching a Spanish opponent immediately after the World Cup final, and accused the Argentine Football Federation of holding up a political banner about the Falkland Islands after defeating England in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The list of disciplinary proceedings FIFA opened against Argentina on Wednesday also includes “discriminatory chants and gestures” by fans, an alleged assault by an assistant coach after the final, and “the throwing of objects by spectators in connection with some matches” at the World Cup.
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Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been charged with three counts of assault, defender Nahuel Molina has been charged with two counts of assault and assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been charged with one count of assault for the post-match clash following Spain’s 1-0 win on July 19.
Molina and Thiago Almada have also been charged with unsporting conduct, while Spain international Gabi has also been charged with similar charges.
After defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals, Argentina’s players held up a banner with the slogan “Argentina, son of Las Malvinas”, or “Malvinas is an Argentine”.
Argentina calls the Falkland Islands the Malvinas Islands. Argentina was invaded in 1982 on orders from then-military dictatorship Argentina, sparking a 10-week war that Britain won.
British government officials have asked FIFA to investigate, and the soccer association announced on Wednesday that the official charge was “using a sporting event for a non-sporting demonstration.”
FIFA said all those charged “have been given an opportunity to express their positions, after which a decision will be taken in due course by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.”
