World Cup 2026: FIFA launches disciplinary proceedings against Argentina

At the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup, the altercations between Argentine players and their Spanish opponents made headlines. Now, FIFA is determined to take action.

As a reminder, Leandro Paredes targeted Eric Garcia as well as Gavi. In recent hours, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings. These are directed broadly at Argentina, as well as its fans, first and foremost.

"The Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentine Football Association for potential breaches of Article 13, paragraph 2c (Using a sporting event as a platform for non-sporting demonstrations), Article 14, paragraph 5 (Inappropriate conduct by a team), Article 15 (Discrimination and racist incidents), and Article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This follows discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and objects being thrown by fans during several matches involving the Argentine national team at the 2026 World Cup," read an official FIFA statement.

It should be noted that disciplinary proceedings have also been opened against Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Nahuel Molina, Roberto Ayala (Scaloni’s assistant), as well as Gavi.

"The Disciplinary Committee has received the report from the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor regarding the incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup final (Spain vs. Argentina) and, in line with the recommendations, has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentine players Nahuel Molina (two counts, one for proven act and one for attempt) and Leandro Paredes (three counts), as well as Argentine team official Roberto Ayala (one count), for potential violations of Article 14, paragraph 1i (Assault) of the Disciplinary Code. Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened against Argentine players Nahuel Molina (one count) and Thiago Almada (one count), as well as Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (one count), for potential violations of Article 14, paragraph 1b (Unsporting conduct) of the same Disciplinary Code," FIFA explained in its official statement.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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