FIFA Charges Argentina Players, Federation Over Post-World Cup Final Altercations and Falklands Banner

FIFA is pursuing disciplinary action against Argentina following the World Cup final, with charges of assault leveled against two players and a coach for altercations with Spanish opponents. Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three assault charges, defender Nahuel Molina faces two, and coach Roberto Ayala faces one. Additionally, Molina and Thiago Almada are charged with unsporting behavior, a charge also brought against Spain's Gavi.

Beyond the post-final scuffle, Argentina's football federation has been formally charged for a political banner displayed by players after their semifinal victory over England. The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," translating to "The Malvinas are Argentine," referring to the Falkland Islands, a territory with a contentious history between Argentina and Britain.

FIFA stated the charge related to the banner falls under "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature." This action follows a request from British government officials for FIFA to investigate the display. The islands were the site of a 1982 war between Argentina and Britain, which Britain won.

Further disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina encompass "discriminatory chants and gestures" by fans and "throwing of objects by spectators" during various matches at the World Cup. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will review the positions of all charged parties before issuing its decisions in due course.