FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following various incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that concluded with Spain as the champion after defeating Argentina in the final.
According to the organization’s Disciplinary Committee, the investigation covers alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in the start of matches, breaches of security protocols, the display of messages deemed inappropriate, and the throwing of objects from the stands during various matches involving the Albiceleste.
As reported by FIFA, the AFA may have violated various articles of the Disciplinary Code related to the use of sporting events for purposes unrelated to sports, inappropriate conduct, discrimination, and responsibility for order and security in stadiums.
In addition to the proceedings against the Argentine federation, FIFA also opened individual cases regarding the incidents that occurred during the final between Argentina and Spain. The decision was made after receiving the report from the investigator appointed to analyze the events.
Among those involved are players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, as well as Roberto Ayala, a member of the Argentine coaching staff. Also included is the Spaniard Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known as Gavi.
Paredes faces three charges for possible assaults, while Molina was charged with two alleged incidents of that nature—one completed and the other attempted. Ayala was also charged with an alleged assault. Furthermore, Molina remains under investigation for possible unsportsmanlike conduct, an offense for which Thiago Almada and Gavi were also cited.
The initiation of these proceedings does not constitute an immediate sanction for those involved. In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the AFA, the players, and the coaching staff members will have the opportunity to present their defense before the Disciplinary Committee issues a ruling.
Potential sanctions have not yet been determined and will depend on the analysis of the evidence and the individual assessment of each charge.
