The Disciplinary Committee of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) has imposed severe sanctions on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and players of the national team due to incidents following the final match of the 2026 World Cup, in which the ‘albiceleste’ lost to Spain, as well as the display of the Falkland Islands flag after the victory over England in the semifinal.
Individual punishments for players and staff
The most severe punishment was given to midfielder Leandro Paredes of ‘Boca Juniors’: he was disqualified for 10 matches and fined 90,000 US dollars. Defender Nahuel Molina will not be able to play 7 matches and has to pay a fine of 90,000 US dollars. Forward Thiago Almada of ‘River Plate’ received a disqualification for 1 match and a fine of 30,000 US dollars.
In addition, a member of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff, Roberto Ayala, will be suspended for 3 matches and fined 30,000 US dollars. The sanction is related to an incident involving Ayala and Spanish footballer Dani Olmo during the World Cup final.
Fines for team and fan behavior
For the display of the Falkland Islands flag by Argentine players after the victory over England, FIFA imposed a fine for “non-compliance with Article 13, paragraph 2 c): using a sporting event to carry out manifestations of a non-sporting nature”.
In addition, violations of other articles were recorded, concerning “improper conduct of the team”, “discrimination and racist manifestations” due to discriminatory shouts and gestures by fans, as well as “order and security at matches”. The total amount of fines is 321,000 US dollars.
FIFA also obliged the Argentine team to play their next two home matches with a restriction on the use of 50% of the stadium capacity. Representatives of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed to the publication LA NACION that they are considering the possibility of filing an appeal, although they acknowledge that it will be difficult to change the decision.
Source: La Nación
