Argentina’s World Cup campaign may be over, but the headlines surrounding the team are far from finished. Just days after losing the World Cup final to Spain, FIFA confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association and several players over multiple incidents during the tournament. From a politically charged banner displayed after the semi-final against England to the heated clashes that erupted after the final whistle in the World Cup final, the governing body is now examining whether Argentina breached several sections of its disciplinary code.
Here’s everything we know so far.
The Falklands banner that sparked controversy
The first incident dates back to Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-final.
As players celebrated reaching the final, several members of the squad held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — Spanish for “The Malvinas are Argentine.”
The message refers to the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic that Argentina calls the Malvinas. Both countries claim sovereignty over the islands, and the dispute stretches back nearly two centuries. It ultimately led to the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict that claimed the lives of more than 900 people.
While the political disagreement itself is long-standing, FIFA’s concern is different.
Its disciplinary code prohibits football matches from being used to promote political messages or demonstrations unrelated to the sport. Because the banner was displayed on the pitch immediately after a World Cup match, FIFA is investigating whether Argentina violated those rules.
The incident quickly attracted international attention, with politicians in both Britain and Argentina weighing in on the gesture, making what was supposed to be a football celebration part of a much bigger political conversation.
What happened after the World Cup final?
The second investigation centres on the chaotic scenes that unfolded after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final.
As Spain’s players began celebrating their World Cup triumph, emotions boiled over. What started as post-match frustration quickly turned into pushing, shoving and confrontations involving players from both teams.
One of the biggest flashpoints involved Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who became involved in multiple altercations. Television footage showed him grappling with Spanish players before Gavi was shoved to the ground during the chaos. FIFA is investigating Paredes over several alleged assault-related offences under its disciplinary code.
Defender Nahuel Molina is also under investigation after another confrontation with Spain players, while Thiago Almada and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala have also been named in the disciplinary proceedings.
The investigation is not limited to Argentina either. Spain midfielder Gavi is also facing a separate investigation over alleged unsporting behaviour during the post-match incident.
What else is FIFA looking into?
The investigation extends beyond just those two high-profile moments.
FIFA is also examining several alleged breaches involving the Argentine Football Association throughout the tournament, including reports of discriminatory chants and gestures, spectators throwing objects, delays before kick-off, failures to follow security and match protocols, and the display of inappropriate messages by both players and supporters.
Not every allegation will necessarily result in punishment, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee will now review evidence, match reports and responses from those involved before deciding whether sanctions are warranted.
What happens next?
For now, these remain disciplinary proceedings rather than confirmed violations.
The Argentine Football Association and everyone named in the investigation have been given the opportunity to submit their explanations before FIFA reaches a final decision.
Possible sanctions vary depending on which charges, if any, are upheld. They could range from fines and suspensions to other disciplinary measures under FIFA’s code.
Regardless of the outcome, Argentina’s World Cup campaign is now being remembered for more than just what happened on the pitch. Alongside an emotional run to the final, the tournament has also left behind political controversy, disciplinary questions and one of the most heated endings to a World Cup in recent memory.
Sources: Forbes, The Guardian, Sky News, BBC
