FIFA Opens Disciplinary Proceedings Against Argentina FA, Players After World Cup

Zurich, July 2026 : FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several Argentina players over alleged breaches of the governing body’s regulations during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee initiated proceedings against the AFA following a series of incidents involving Argentina’s national team and supporters during several matches at the tournament. The allegations include discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, breaches of match and security protocols, inappropriate messages displayed by players and spectators, and objects being thrown from the stands.

According to FIFA, the AFA could face disciplinary action under several provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, including rules relating to demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches.

In a statement, FIFA said proceedings had been opened against the AFA over potential violations of Article 13, paragraph 2(c) concerning the use of a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, Article 14, paragraph 5 on team misconduct, Article 15 covering discrimination and racist abuse, and Article 17 relating to order and security at matches.

The proceedings relate to incidents reported during several Argentina matches at the World Cup. FIFA said the alleged misconduct involved both the team and spectators, with the disciplinary process now set to determine whether any of the reported incidents constitute violations of the regulations.

Separate proceedings have also been initiated against Argentina players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, along with team official Roberto Ayala and Spain midfielder Pablo Martín Paez Gavira, popularly known as Gavi, over incidents that occurred following the World Cup final.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final on July 19, after which tensions reportedly escalated between members of the two teams. Several Argentina players and officials were involved in confrontations with their Spanish counterparts during the post-match proceedings.

FIFA said its appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor submitted a report concerning the incidents during the final. Following recommendations contained in the report, the Disciplinary Committee opened proceedings against the individuals involved.

Molina faces two alleged counts of assault, with FIFA stating that one was allegedly completed and another attempted. Paredes faces three alleged counts of assault, while Argentina team official Ayala faces one alleged count.

The proceedings against these individuals relate to potential violations of Article 14, paragraph 1(i) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which deals with assault.

FIFA has also opened proceedings for potential breaches of Article 14, paragraph 1(b) concerning unsporting behaviour. Molina and Almada are facing one alleged count each under this provision, while Spain’s Gavi is also facing one alleged count.

The disciplinary proceedings come after a fiercely contested tournament in which Argentina reached the final but ultimately lost their title to Spain. The post-match incidents have now become the subject of a formal review by FIFA’s disciplinary authorities.

FIFA stressed that the proceedings are ongoing and that no final conclusions have yet been reached against the association, players or officials involved. The respondents have been given an opportunity to present their positions and respond to the allegations.

Following the submission and examination of their responses, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will assess the evidence and determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted.

The cases could potentially result in sanctions against the AFA, players or officials, depending on the findings of the committee. FIFA is expected to issue its decisions after completing the disciplinary process.

The proceedings underline FIFA’s continued emphasis on maintaining discipline, security, anti-discrimination standards and sporting conduct at major international tournaments. The final decisions will determine whether the incidents involving Argentina’s team, supporters and players amount to violations of the governing body’s regulations.