The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opened a formal procedure on Wednesday against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) due to a series of incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, reported ESPN.
The investigation became known just ten days after the tournament final, in which Spain was crowned world champion after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The file against the AFA includes alleged violations related to discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in the start of several matches, failures to comply with safety protocols, display of messages deemed inappropriate, and the throwing of objects from the stands during matches involving the Argentine national team.
One of the facts under investigation is the display of a banner with the phrase "The Falklands are Argentine" after the semifinal against England, an action that prompted a formal protest from the United Kingdom to FIFA.
According to the governing body of world football, the Argentine federation may have violated various articles of the Disciplinary Code related to the use of sports competitions for purposes unrelated to the sport, improper conduct, discrimination, and the responsibility of national associations in maintaining order and security in the stadiums.
In addition to the institutional procedure, FIFA opened individual disciplinary cases for the incidents recorded after the final whistle of the World Cup final, when a brawl broke out among players from both teams.
For Argentina, Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were charged. On the Spanish side, the only one facing charges is Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi).
Paredes faces a delicate situation. FIFA has charged him with three counts of alleged aggression and he was already sent off with a direct red card by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić at the end of the match. According to the match reports and documents, the midfielder allegedly grabbed defender Eric García by the neck and pushed Gavi when he intervened to separate the fight.
Nahuel Molina is facing two charges for alleged assault—one completed and the other attempted—along with an accusation of unsportsmanlike conduct related to an alleged altercation with Rodri Hernández.
Roberto Ayala has been charged with an alleged assault on Dani Olmo, while Thiago Almada and Gavi will have to answer for purported unsportsmanlike conduct.
There are still no sanctions
The opening of the files does not imply an immediate sanction. According to FIFA's Disciplinary Code, both the AFA and the players and members of the coaching staff involved will have the opportunity to present their defenses before the Disciplinary Committee makes a decision.
The organization has not disclosed what the potential sanctions could be either. However, its regulations outline minimum suspensions of three matches for violent conduct and six matches for participating in a brawl.
A record of disciplinary background
The AFA enters this new process with recent history concerning FIFA. In 2017, it was fined 20,000 Swiss francs for homophobic chants from its supporters. In January 2024, it received a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs and a partial stadium closure for similar incidents, and in September 2025, it was penalized with 120,000 Swiss francs for racist acts recorded during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The resolutions regarding this new case will be announced once the disciplinary process concludes and FIFA evaluates the evidence and defenses presented by all parties involved.
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