FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for its conduct following the loss in the World Cup final to Spain, as well as throughout the tournament.
Last week, the world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate the events that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey stadium. Several players and members of the Argentina coaching staff were involved in altercations with Spain players after the 1-0 defeat in July.
Investigation of players and coaching staff
On the prosecutor’s recommendation, FIFA will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina (two incidents) and Leandro Paredes (three incidents), as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one incident) for alleged physical violence under Article 14 of the FIFA disciplinary code. Molina may also face disciplinary action for one incident of alleged unsporting conduct under Article 14. His teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same violation.
According to the FIFA disciplinary code, players and officials face at least a one-match suspension for unsporting conduct and a minimum three-match suspension for physical violence.
Charges against the Argentine Football Association
The Argentine Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential violations during several matches. These include using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (Article 13), improper conduct by the team (Article 14), discrimination and racist insults (Article 15), as well as breaches of order and security at matches (Article 17).
The latter pertains to discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in the start of matches, the display of unacceptable slogans by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators. Argentina players celebrated their semi-final victory over England with a banner supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. It read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”
Source: BBC
