Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents after their World Cup final defeat by Spain and over alleged conduct during the wider tournament, according to BBC News.
The action follows Spain’s 1-0 win at the New York New Jersey Stadium in July, after which several Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in confrontations with Spain players after the final whistle.
BBC News reported that Fifa appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last week to examine the post-match events. Following the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, over alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
Molina may also face action over alleged unsporting behaviour. Argentina team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach.
Under Fifa rules, unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to a suspension of at least one match, while assault carries a minimum three-match ban for players and officials.
The Argentinian Football Association is also facing proceedings over possible breaches across several matches. These include alleged use of a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and failures relating to order and security at matches.
The order and security issues cited relate to discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages shown by the team and spectators, and objects being thrown by spectators.
Argentina players also celebrated their semi-final win over England with a banner backing Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as “The Falklands are Argentine”.
