FIFA has formally opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several Argentina players and assistant coach Roberto Ayala following incidents during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
The investigation extends beyond the post-match altercation in New Jersey and also covers crowd behaviour, political messaging and organisational issues throughout Argentina's World Cup campaign.
Here's a breakdown of everything FIFA is investigating.
Why is FIFA investigating Argentina?
The disciplinary proceedings stem from two separate areas:
- The post-match confrontation between Argentina and Spain players after the World Cup final.
- A series of alleged breaches by the Argentine Football Association and its supporters throughout the tournament.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened the proceedings after reviewing a report submitted by an independent Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor appointed following the final.
Which players have been charged?
Leandro Paredes
The Argentina
midfielder faces the most serious allegations.
FIFA has opened proceedings over three alleged counts of assault under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
If found guilty, assault offences carry a minimum suspension of three matches under FIFA regulations.
Nahuel Molina
Molina faces:
- Two alleged counts of assault (one completed and one attempted)
- One count of alleged unsporting behaviour
Roberto Ayala
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been charged with one alleged count of assault.
Thiago Almada
Almada is under investigation for one alleged count of unsporting behaviour.
Gavi (Spain)
Spain midfielder Gavi is the only Spanish player facing disciplinary proceedings.
He has been charged with one alleged count of unsporting behaviour relating to the incidents after the final whistle.
What happened after the World Cup final?
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the FIFA World Cup.
Following the final whistle, a confrontation broke out involving several players and coaching staff from both teams.
The incident prompted FIFA to appoint an independent Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to review video footage and match reports before recommending formal proceedings.
Why is the Argentine Football Association also being investigated?
The AFA is facing several separate disciplinary cases covering conduct across multiple matches during the World Cup.
FIFA is investigating potential breaches of four articles of its Disciplinary Code.
1. Political demonstration
One charge relates to Article 13, which prohibits using sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.
The investigation follows Argentina's display of a banner reading:
"Las Malvinas son Argentinas"
The banner was displayed after Argentina's semi-final victory over England and refers to Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
2. Team misconduct
FIFA is also examining possible breaches relating to team misconduct during the tournament.
3. Discrimination and racist abuse
The governing body is investigating reports of discriminatory chants and gestures involving Argentina supporters.
4. Order and security
FIFA is also looking into several operational issues, including:
- Late kick-offs
- Failure to follow match and security protocols
- Spectators throwing objects
- Inappropriate messages displayed by supporters and the team
What punishment could the players face?
Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code:
- Unsporting behaviour carries a minimum one-match suspension.
- Assault offences carry a minimum three-match suspension.
Any sanctions could be increased depending on the severity of the incidents.
What happens next?
The disciplinary process has only just begun.
FIFA has confirmed that all respondents have now been given the opportunity to present their defence before the Disciplinary Committee reaches a decision.
No punishments have been issued at this stage.
FIFA vs Argentina: Summary of charges
| Individual/Organisation | Alleged Breach |
|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | Three counts of assault |
| Nahuel Molina | Two counts of assault, one count of unsporting behaviour |
| Roberto Ayala | One count of assault |
| Thiago Almada | One count of unsporting behaviour |
| Gavi (Spain) | One count of unsporting behaviour |
| Argentine Football Association | Political demonstration, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, order and security breaches |
Until FIFA completes the disciplinary process, all charges remain allegations, and no player, official or federation has been found guilty of any breach.
