The proceedings involve four Argentines and Spanish midfielder Gavi, who are charged with assault and unsportsmanlike conduct. A separate case is also being brought against the Argentine Football Association over a political message after the semi-final with England.
The International Football Federation (FIFA) launched disciplinary proceedings on July 29, 2026, against Argentine national team players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and coaching staff member Roberto Ayala, as well as Spanish midfielder Gavi, for incidents following the 2026 World Cup final. At the same time, a separate case was opened against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for a series of violations, including displaying a banner with a message about the Falkland Islands after the semi-final victory over England.
According to Sportske novosti, the most serious charges are against midfielder Leandro Paredes, who faces three counts of assault. Defender Nahuel Molina has been charged with two counts of assault (one committed and one attempted) and one count of unsportsmanlike conduct. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala is charged with one count of assault, while Thiago Almada and Gavi-the latter being the only Spanish national team player under investigation-have been reported for unsportsmanlike conduct. All incidents occurred immediately after the final whistle of the final, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FIFA has also opened a separate case against the AFA, investigating possible violations of several articles of the disciplinary code: Article 13 on using a sporting event for demonstrations of an unsportsmanlike nature, Article 14 on improper conduct of a team, Article 15 on discrimination, and Article 17 on order and safety at matches. According to MercoPress, the complaint mentions discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in the start of matches, failure to follow protocols, display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and throwing of objects from the stands during several of Argentina's World Cup matches.
The central focus of the investigation is the banner raised by Argentine players after the 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. It read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas are Argentine). Večernji list reports that British government officials asked FIFA to respond, and the world football body stated that it was a case of "using a sporting event for an unsportsmanlike protest."
The Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas, are located about 480 kilometers off the coast of Patagonia. In 1982, the then Argentine military junta occupied them, sparking a war that lasted 74 days, or ten weeks according to sources. The Guardian Sport reports that more than 900 people died in the conflict, including 649 Argentine and 255 British soldiers. In a 2013 referendum, the islanders overwhelmingly voted to remain under British rule.
FIFA has stated that all accused parties will be given the opportunity to present their statements before the disciplinary committee makes a decision. Deadlines have not been announced, and there are no indications of possible sanctions so far. The proceedings were opened based on reports from the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor appointed by FIFA to review referee reports and match footage.
