FIFA has announced disciplinary charges against three members of Argentina’s national team following the heated conclusion of the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are facing assault-related allegations stemming from incidents that occurred after the final whistle.
Assault Allegations Against Argentina Trio
According to FIFA:
- Leandro Paredes has been charged with three counts of assault after allegedly grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing him to the ground.
- Nahuel Molina faces charges of assault and unsporting behaviour after he was seen striking Spanish midfielder Rodri in the midsection.
- Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been charged with one count of assault for allegedly placing his hands around the neck of Spain’s Dani Olmo.
Ayala later apologized for the incident but claimed he reacted to something Olmo had said. However, the Spanish midfielder rejected the apology, stating that Ayala’s explanation was false.
FIFA Statement
In an official statement, FIFA said:
“In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course.”
The disciplinary committee will review the responses before issuing its final verdict.
Additional Players Face Unsporting Conduct Charges
FIFA has also charged:
- Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada for alleged unsporting conduct.
- Spain midfielder Gavi for alleged unsporting conduct.
These charges are considered less severe than the assault allegations.
Argentine Football Association Also Under Investigation
In addition to the individual charges, FIFA has accused the Argentine Football Association (AFA) of violating tournament regulations during several World Cup matches.
The governing body cited multiple alleged breaches, including:
- Discriminatory chants and gestures
- Late kick-offs
- Failure to comply with match and security protocols
- Display of inappropriate political messages by players and supporters
- Throwing of objects by spectators
Falkland Islands Banner Sparks Controversy
Several of the charges relate to Argentina’s politically sensitive World Cup semifinal against England.
Following Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England on July 15 in Atlanta, players displayed a banner reading:
“Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas Islands are Argentine”).
The message refers to the disputed Falkland Islands, known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina. The islands are administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina, making the issue a longstanding source of political tension between the two countries.
FIFA Awaits Final Decision
The players, coaching staff, and the Argentine Football Association have been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is expected to review the evidence and issue its final decisions in the coming weeks.