FIFA have launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over the Falklands banner displayed by players after the England match alongside a number of other alleged breaches including discrimination, racist abuse and objects being thrown by supporters.
A number of Argentina’s jubilant squad, including two that ply their trade in England, lifted a controversial banner touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final win over England.
It triggered a fierce backlash in the UK, with former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supporting calls for FIFA to open an investigation made by Business Secretary Peter Kyle at the time.
FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but have previously turned a blind eye to continued references to the 1982 conflict in a song sung by the players – and posted on social media by the country’s association – in the dressing room throughout the tournament.
At full-time of a fractious match players including Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero, held aloft a banner which read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, using the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.
At full-time of a fractious match players including Man United ’s Lisandro Martinez and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, held aloft a banner which read: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’
Argentina midfielder Paredes, along with team-mate Thiago Almada’s help, threw unused Spanish substitute Gavi to the floor in disgraceful scenes at the full-time whistle
A statement said: ‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association for potential breaches of article 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), article 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and article 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches of the representative team of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026.’
Several Argentina players were involved in ugly post-match clashes with Spain’s players immediately after the final whistle, with Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and coach Roberto Ayala all have had proceedings opened against them over allegations of ‘assault’.
Spain’s captain Rodri was struck by Molina as he went to celebrate with his team-mates, before Dani Olmo was punched by coach Ayala.
Elsewhere, Argentina midfielder Paredes attacked Eric Garcia by grabbing him by the neck and then, along with team-mate Thiago Almada’s help, threw unused Spanish substitute Gavi to the floor in disgraceful scenes.
Paredes faces three counts of assault. Nahuel Molina faces two counts (one completed and one attempted). Roberto Ayala is charged with one count.
The trio, as well as the winger Thiago Almada and the Spanish midfielder Gavi, have been charged with unsporting behaviour following the post-match brawl.
