Fifa has opened an Argentina disciplinary case after clashes following the World Cup final and amid wider concerns about the team’s conduct during the tournament. The case centers on events after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in July, when multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Last week, the governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review what happened after the final whistle. On that prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa said it will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala for alleged assault under article 14 of its disciplinary code. Molina faces two counts, Paredes three, and Ayala one. Molina may also face a separate charge of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article. Team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach.
The disciplinary code sets out serious penalties if those allegations are upheld. Players and officials can receive at least a one-match suspension for unsporting conduct and at least three matches for assault. Fifa has not said what final sanctions, if any, will follow, but the opening of proceedings puts the matter formally into its disciplinary process.
The Argentina football association is also facing a broader set of proceedings tied to multiple matches. Those include possible breaches for using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature under article 13, team misconduct under article 14, discrimination and racist abuse under article 15, and breaches of order and security at matches under article 17. Fifa said the article 17 concerns relate to discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the team and spectators displaying inappropriate messages, and spectators throwing objects.
