FIFA targets Argentina after World Cup conduct row

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the Argentina Football Association following several incidents at the 2026 World Cup, including players displaying a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.The case adds to the fallout from Argentina’s tournament conduct and creates a further governance issue for the association after their defeat to Spain in the final.FIFA said the proceedings were opened “in light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators”.Argentina players displayed a handwritten banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas”, meaning “The Falklands are Argentine”, after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.The governing body is investigating whether the incident breached rules prohibiting the use of sporting events for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.The Argentina association also faces potential breaches covering team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches.FIFA’s disciplinary code gives the governing body scope to impose fines and other sanctions, although no timetable for a decision or details of potential penalties have been disclosed.Separate proceedings have been opened against players and officials following a confrontation after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey.Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three assault counts after appearing to push Spain’s Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate.Nahuel Molina faces two assault counts, while Molina, Thiago Almada and Argentina official Roberto Ayala have each been charged with one count of unsporting behaviour. Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.The investigation places FIFA’s rules on political messaging under renewed scrutiny, particularly when national teams use the global reach of the World Cup to promote territorial or political claims.It also presents a reputational challenge for the Argentina association, with the disciplinary process covering the conduct of players, supporters and match operations across several fixtures rather than a single incident.Argentina will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before FIFA’s disciplinary committee determines whether sanctions should be imposed.