FIFA charges Argentina trio with assault over World Cup final brawl

FIFA on Wednesday opened disciplinary proceedings against three Argentina players, an assistant coach, and the Argentine Football Association over a series of incidents during the 2026 World Cup, including a violent post-match brawl after the final and the display of a politically charged banner about the Falkland Islands.espn+1

Assault and Unsporting Behavior Charges

The most serious charges stem from clashes that erupted immediately after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three counts of assault after he struck Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat and shoved Gavi to the ground. Defender Nahuel Molina faces two assault counts for appearing to punch Spain captain Rodri in the midsection as he ran to celebrate with teammates. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one assault count for allegedly striking Dani Olmo after the match.sports.yahoo+1

Molina and teammate Thiago Almada were also charged with unsporting behavior, alongside Spain's Gavi, who faces one count of the same charge. Under FIFA's Disciplinary Code, assault carries a minimum ban of three matches, while unsporting behavior carries at least a one-match suspension.reuters+1

Falklands Banner and Fan Misconduct

Separately, the Argentine Football Association faces charges for players displaying a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" after Argentina's 2-1 semifinal victory over England in Atlanta on July 15. FIFA classified the act as "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature."espn+1

The AFA also faces proceedings related to discriminatory chants and gestures by fans, late kick-offs, failure to comply with security protocols, and objects thrown by spectators across several matches during the tournament.si+1

What Comes Next

FIFA said all respondents have been given the opportunity to present their positions before the Disciplinary Committee issues a ruling. In 2014, FIFA fined the AFA 20,000 pounds for a similar Falklands banner displayed before a friendly against Slovenia. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the team's conduct after the final, saying, "We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat."complex+1