FIFA World Cup: Argentina to face disciplinary proceedings over Falklands banner as Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes accused of assault
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Published 29/07/2026 at 18:36 GMT+1
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FIFA have confirmed they have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association over a series of incidents during the 2026 World Cup, including the display of a politically charged banner following the country's semi-final victory over England and the conduct of players following defeat by Spain in the final.
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After reaching the final, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"), referencing the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and current Spurs defender Cristian Romero were among the players photographed with the banner during the post-match celebrations.
FIFA launched an investigation shortly after the incident and has now confirmed formal disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement, the organisation said the case concerns the alleged "use of a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature" as well as a number of other potential offences.
FIFA said its Disciplinary Committee had opened proceedings for potential breaches of several articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, including those relating to "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature," "team misconduct," "discrimination and racist abuse," and "order and security at matches."
FIFA added that the investigation covers allegations 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" across several of Argentina's matches during the tournament.
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Leandro Paredes tangles with Gavi after the World Cup final
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The investigation extends beyond the semi-final and also encompasses the aftermath of Argentina's fraught 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
FIFA's disciplinary committee has received a report from its discipline and ethics prosecutor relating to the heated scenes that unfolded after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes have both been charged over their alleged involvement in the post-match confrontation, with Molina facing two assault-related charges - one completed and one attempted - while Paredes has been charged with three alleged offences.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also facing disciplinary action in connection with the incident.
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Spain won an ill-tempered World Cup final earlier this month
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In addition, Molina and team-mate Thiago Almada are the subject of separate investigations into alleged unsporting behaviour, while Spain midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, better known as Gavi, is also facing disciplinary scrutiny over the same altercation.
The disciplinary action comes despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino having previously congratulated AFA president Claudio Tapia in a letter praising Argentina's "professionalism" throughout the tournament, correspondence that later emerged publicly and drew scrutiny in the wake of the governing body's investigations.
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Argentina players hold up a Falklands banner after beating England
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Argentina's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after Ferran Torres' extra-time winner secured Spain a 1-0 victory in the final, denying Lionel Scaloni's side back-to-back world titles after they had overcome England in a fiercely contested semi-final.
FIFA has not indicated when the disciplinary process will conclude or what sanctions could follow.
Depending on the outcome, punishments available under the governing body's disciplinary code range from financial penalties and suspensions for individuals to sanctions against the national federation.
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