FIFA opens investigation into Argentina
Paris (AFP) – The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has opened a disciplinary investigation against its Argentine counterpart, which was at the center of several controversies during the 2026 World Cup in North America, as well as against three of its national team players, in connection with incidents that erupted after the final loss to Spain.
The investigation into the Argentine Football Association concerns four potential violations of FIFA’s disciplinary code: using a sporting event as a platform for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racially motivated incidents, and breaches of order and security during matches.
A FIFA statement cited “discriminatory chants and gestures,” delays in the start of some matches, “inappropriate messages displayed by the team and fans,” as well as fans throwing objects during several matches, without providing further details.
Argentina drew numerous reactions due to the behavior of its players and fans during the World Cup, where it was defending the title it won in 2022.
FIFA had previously announced that it was also investigating an incident in which two Argentine players unfurled a banner on the pitch reading “Falkland Islands are Argentine” after their 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals.
The Falkland Islands, a British archipelago located approximately 600 kilometers from the Argentine coast, remain a sensitive issue in relations between London and Buenos Aires, which continue to dispute sovereignty over the territory.
In a separate matter, the Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against Argentine players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, and Spanish player Gavi, due to acts of violence that occurred after Spain’s victory in the final. Several Argentine players and staff members attacked their Spanish counterparts immediately after the final whistle.
Paredes, a former player for French club Paris Saint-Germain, was among the most prominently implicated, having knocked Eric Garcia to the ground and grabbed him by the neck, before also getting into a confrontation with Gavi. He faces three charges, the highest number among all players under investigation.
FIFA reminded that “the individuals concerned now have the opportunity to present their positions. The Disciplinary Committee will then issue its decision at the appropriate time.”
