The fallout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues after FIFA officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over a series of incidents involving the national team during the tournament.
Argentina reached the World Cup final under controversial circumstances before eventually losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time. However, attention has now shifted away from football and toward several off-field incidents that could result in fines, suspensions, and further disciplinary action.
For many 12B Sports followers, the investigations have become one of the biggest post-tournament stories, with multiple players and team officials now facing scrutiny.
One of the most significant investigations concerns Argentina’s celebrations following their semi-final victory over England.
After the match, several Argentine players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentine”). The political message immediately attracted FIFA’s attention, as the organization’s disciplinary regulations prohibit political demonstrations during official competitions.
FIFA later confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against the Argentine Football Association.
According to the governing body, the investigation covers allegations including discriminatory chants and gestures, delays to kick-off, violations of competition and security regulations, inappropriate messages displayed by players and supporters, and objects thrown by spectators.
The governing body believes these actions may constitute violations of several articles within the FIFA Disciplinary Code, including rules prohibiting non-sporting political demonstrations, improper team conduct, discriminatory behavior, and breaches of stadium safety regulations.
If found guilty, the Argentine federation could face significant sanctions, while individual players involved in displaying the banner may also receive match suspensions.
FIFA is also investigating several incidents that allegedly occurred after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final.
Following the final whistle, tensions boiled over inside MetLife Stadium as confrontations broke out between players from both teams.
Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala have all been named in FIFA’s disciplinary report.
According to available footage and witness accounts, Paredes became involved in a heated altercation with Spain defender Eric García and allegedly grabbed him by the throat.
Meanwhile, another video appears to show Molina colliding with Manchester City midfielder Rodri during Spain’s celebrations.
Spain have not escaped scrutiny either.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has also been included in FIFA’s disciplinary process over allegations of unsporting conduct during the same incident.
For supporters following every major football controversy through 12B Sports, the disciplinary cases have become almost as widely discussed as the final itself.
In its official statement, FIFA confirmed separate disciplinary proceedings against several individuals.
Molina faces two assault-related allegations, one concerning an attempted offence, while Paredes is facing three separate accusations linked to alleged assault. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation over one alleged offence.
Additional disciplinary procedures have also been opened against Molina, Almada, and Spain midfielder Gavi for alleged unsporting behavior.
FIFA emphasized that every individual involved will have the opportunity to present evidence and explain their version of events before the Disciplinary Committee reaches a final decision.
No punishments have yet been announced.
History suggests FIFA can impose severe sanctions when disciplinary rules are breached.
Under the same disciplinary framework, former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales received a lengthy suspension after kissing Spain women’s player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations.
One of the most famous examples remains Luis Suárez, who received a four-month suspension after biting Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup match against Italy.
Political demonstrations have also resulted in disciplinary action before.
In 2014, Argentina were fined after displaying a similar banner referencing the Falkland Islands before an international friendly.
Another recent precedent involved Spain internationals Rodri and Álvaro Morata, who each received a one-match suspension in 2024 after chanting “Gibraltar is Spain” during European Championship celebrations.
Those previous cases suggest FIFA has consistently acted against political messaging during football events, regardless of the nation involved.
With investigations now underway, players including Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Giovani Lo Celso—who were seen holding the Falklands banner—could potentially face disciplinary sanctions if FIFA concludes they breached its regulations.
As the disciplinary process continues, 12B Sports fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether the governing body issues fines, suspensions, or other punishments following one of the most controversial endings to a FIFA World Cup in recent memory.
