Argentine players sanctioned by FIFA for World Cup incidents

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has imposed significant sanctions on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several national team players following incidents during the 2026 World Cup semifinals and final matches against England and Spain, respectively. The disciplinary body focused particularly on the display of a Malvinas flag by players after the England match and confrontations on the field during the final.

The AFA, led by Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, has been fined $321,000 and must play its next two home matches at 50% capacity. This penalty is primarily due to the players unfurling a banner stating "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" (The Malvinas Are Argentinian) after their semifinal victory over England. FIFA cited a violation of Article 13, Paragraph 2c, which prohibits using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations.

In addition to the flag incident, the sanctions address violations related to "improper conduct of a team," "discrimination and racist aggressions" stemming from fan chants and gestures, and issues concerning "order and security at matches."

Several players have also been penalized. Roberto Ayala, a member of Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff, received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for an incident involving Spanish player Dani Olmo. Spanish player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira was also sanctioned with a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

The AFA has stated its intention to appeal FIFA's decision. The sanctions come after a tournament where Argentina ultimately triumphed, defeating France in a dramatic final.