Argentina face Fifa disciplinary charges over World Cup final brawl
World football's governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following post-match altercations and various rule breaches during the tournament.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after their 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain
- Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Roberto Ayala face alleged assault charges
- The Argentinian FA also faces multiple charges including discrimination and non-sporting demonstrations
Fifa has launched formal disciplinary proceedings against Argentina in the wake of their behavior following the World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament. A fracas erupted at the New York New Jersey Stadium after the final whistle in July, following Argentina's 1-0 defeat, drawing the attention of football's global governing body.
Last week, the organization appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate the chaotic scenes that involved multiple Argentina players and backroom staff clashing with Spanish players. Acting on the prosecutor's recommendation, Fifa will investigate Argentina defenders Nahuel Molina (two counts) and Leandro Paredes (three counts), along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one count), over alleged assaults under article 14 of Fifa's disciplinary code.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Molina could also face disciplinary action relating to a single count of alleged unsporting behavior, also governed by article 14. His international teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi have been accused of committing the exact same breach. Under the governing body's disciplinary code, players and officials face a minimum one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, while assault carries a ban of at least three matches.
Fifa's strict approach highlights the increasing pressure on international football associations to maintain order and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. With clear minimum suspension thresholds for offenses like assault and unsporting behavior, governing bodies aim to deter on-field confrontations and strictly penalize political or unauthorized demonstrations during major global showcases.
Beyond the individual player charges, the Argentinian Football Association is confronting disciplinary proceedings for potential violations across multiple matches. These infractions include utilizing a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations under article 13, team misconduct under article 14, discrimination and racist abuse under article 15, and breaching stadium order and security under article 17. The security violations encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messaging displayed by teams and spectators, and objects being thrown onto the pitch.
Source: BBC Sport
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