The world governing body is investigating players, officials and the Argentine Football Association over alleged misconduct during and after the tournament
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents involving players and officials after the country’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat by Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium in July.
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The FIFA Argentina probe was launched after the world football governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine several incidents during the tournament, including altercations that broke out between Argentine and Spanish players after the final whistle.
The investigation could result in sanctions against Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, assistant coach Roberto Ayala and Spain midfielder Gavi, depending on the findings of FIFA’s disciplinary bodies.
According to BBC Sport, FIFA’s prosecutor has recommended that Molina, Paredes and Ayala be investigated for alleged assault offences under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Molina is also facing a separate investigation for alleged unsporting behaviour, alongside Almada and Gavi.
The potential sanctions could be significant if the allegations are upheld. Players and officials found guilty of unsporting conduct can face a minimum one-match suspension, while those convicted of assault offences could receive at least a three-match ban.
The Argentine Football Association is also facing separate disciplinary proceedings over a series of alleged breaches during the tournament.
FIFA is examining possible violations relating to the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, as well as breaches of match-order and security regulations.
The wider investigation includes allegations involving discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages displayed by players or supporters and objects thrown during matches.
The proceedings follow an intense tournament for Argentina, who were unable to retain the World Cup after being defeated by Spain in the final.
The post-match confrontation between members of the two teams has become a particular focus of the investigation, with FIFA seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the altercations and determine whether individual players or officials breached disciplinary regulations.
Argentina had also attracted attention earlier in the competition following its semi-final victory over England, when players celebrated with a banner expressing support for the country’s long-standing claim to the Falkland Islands.
The banner carried the words, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, meaning “The Falklands are Argentine”.
FIFA’s rules prohibit certain political or non-sporting displays during football events, making the incident another matter under review as part of the disciplinary proceedings involving the Argentine Football Association.
The latest investigation adds a difficult post-tournament chapter for an Argentina side that entered the competition as defending champions after winning the 2022 World Cup.
The proceedings, however, do not amount to a finding of guilt. FIFA is expected to assess the available evidence before deciding whether disciplinary action should be taken against the players, officials or the Argentine Football Association.
Any sanctions will depend on the outcome of the individual cases and the governing body’s assessment of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Also read: FIFA opens investigation into Argentina’s post-World Cup final clash with Spain
The process could ultimately determine whether the incidents surrounding Argentina’s campaign lead to suspensions, fines or other disciplinary measures, potentially leaving the national team to deal with the consequences of events that unfolded both on and off the pitch.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
