FIFA opens disciplinary case over Argentina Falklands banner at World Cup

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its players for several alleged violations during the World Cup. Following Argentina's semi-final victory over England, some players displayed a banner proclaiming "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas," asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. FIFA stated that using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations potentially breaches its disciplinary code.

This is not the first time Argentina has faced FIFA action for such displays. In 2014, the AFA was fined for a similar banner displayed before a friendly match. The current proceedings also encompass other alleged breaches from the World Cup, including discriminatory chants and gestures, late kickoffs, security failures, and objects thrown by fans across various matches.

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Las Malvinas Son Argentinas

Further disciplinary actions target players involved in an altercation after the final match, where Spain defeated Argentina. A brawl erupted when Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain's Gavi, leading to multiple assault and unsporting behavior counts against Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Roberto Ayala, and Gavi. FIFA has informed the respondents and will issue a decision from its Disciplinary Committee in due course.

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In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course.