FIFA announced it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentina soccer federation for a slew of alleged offenses during the 2026 World Cup.
Soccer's governing body cited Argentina's "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" during the tournament.
FIFA is also investigating Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Leandro Paredes for their actions at the end of the World Cup final, initiating a scuffle with Spain's players seconds after the full-time whistle.
FIFA's statement on the proceedings also cited Article 15 of its Disciplinary Code, regarding "discrimination
and racist abuse."
Argentina players faced backlash for celebrating with a controversial banner on the field after beating England in the semifinal. The banner declared "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas," meaning that the "Falklands are Argentine" – a reference to the country's claim over the islands that remain a British Overseas Territory.
FIFA's Disciplinary Code bans "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature" and critics called on Argentina to face immediate punishment due to the players' participation.
"All member associations and clubs are liable for inappropriate behavior on the part of one or more of their supporters," FIFA's code reads, specifically citing "the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit a message that is not appropriate for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature."
Argentina will have the opportunity to present its rebuttals and FIFA says the Disciplinary Committee will issue a decision "in due course."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Argentina faces FIFA investigation over World Cup fans, controversial banner
