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A viral petition calling for Argentina to be permanently removed from the FIFA World Cup has generated widespread attention after reports claimed it attracted more than 23 million signatures-putting it close to a Guinness World Record.
Here's what we know, what the petition actually sought, and whether it has any impact on FIFA's disciplinary process.
Did the petition really receive over 23 million signatures?
Yes.
According to reports, the online petition titled "Argentina Out" amassed 23,316,108 signatures before it closed.
The petition accused FIFA of favouring Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and called for the reigning finalists to be permanently expelled from future editions of the tournament.
Its description read:
"Why should the rest of the world compete when the winner has already been decided?
Kick Argentina out of the World Cup and give everyone else a fair chance. "
The organisers later claimed:
"Over 23 million people from 170 countries signed this petition in under a week. "
Did it break a Guinness World Record?
No.
Despite attracting more than 23 million signatures, the petition fell short of the Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a petition.
The current record remains with the Jubilee 2000 campaign, which collected 24,319,181 signatures in support of cancelling the debt of the world's poorest countries.
That means the Argentina petition finished around one million signatures short of the record.
Why did the petition go viral?
The petition emerged amid growing controversy surrounding Argentina's World Cup campaign.
Several incidents sparked debate during the tournament, including:
- Allegations of favourable refereeing decisions.
- A banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" displayed after the semi-final against England.
- Racist chants by sections of supporters.
The petition also echoed online conspiracy theories claiming the tournament had been manipulated in Argentina's favour-claims for which no evidence has been presented.
Is FIFA actually investigating Argentina?
Yes-but not because of the petition.
FIFA has already opened disciplinary proceedings over the scenes that followed Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Several Argentina players, including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, are reportedly under scrutiny following clashes with Spain players after the final whistle.
The investigation is examining whether participants violated FIFA's disciplinary code relating to conduct that brings football into disrepute.
Can an online petition force FIFA to ban Argentina?
No
Online petitions have no legal or regulatory authority over FIFA's disciplinary process.
Any sanctions against Argentina would be determined solely through FIFA's independent disciplinary procedures based on evidence gathered during its investigation.
Possible punishments could include fines, suspensions or bans for individuals if breaches are established. However, there is no mechanism allowing a public petition to expel a national team from the World Cup.
Verdict
The petition is real and did receive more than 23 million signatures, making it one of the largest online petitions ever recorded.
However, it did not break the Guinness World Record, and it has no influence over FIFA's ongoing disciplinary investigation.
While Argentina is facing scrutiny over the post-final incidents, any sanctions will depend on FIFA's disciplinary process-not on the number of people who signed an online petition.
