FIFA has charged several Argentina players for their conduct in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat to Spain and opened proceedings against the countrys Football Association for the display of a banner relating to the Falkland Islands after the semi-final win over England. Spain lifted the trophy for the second time in their history after an uninspiring final was settled by Ferran Torres extra-time strike.Ugly scenes followed at the end, with several Spain players accosted by Argentina counterparts. Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the controversy, as he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing Gavi to the turf.FIFA confirmed on Wednesday it had levelled three charges for assault against Paredes, while also charging Nahuel Molina (two counts, one completed and one attempted) and assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one count). Ayala was involved in confrontation with Spains Dani Olmo and promised to apologise in person to the Barcelona star.Nahuel Molina (one count) and Thiago Almada (one count) have also been charged for unsporting behaviour, as has Spain midfielder Gavi (one count).In addition, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) looks set to face action for the teams actions after La Albiceleste came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-final.Amid the celebrations, several Argentina players posed with a banner that read Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falklands are Argentine).Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falklands in 1982, with the 74-day conflict resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians. The Falklands remain a British controlled territory, though Argentina insists the archipelago in the South Atlantic is its possession.A formal investigation was demanded by the British government, and a case has been opened against the AFA for the team using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.The proceedings against the AFA also relate to team misconduct discrimination and racist abuse and order and security at matches, with the latter brought in light of discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in several matches. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Argentina National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Cucurella shows off new tattoo after winning World Cup and bids farewell to Chelsea Mitch Fretton 28th July, 2026 Neymar hits back at malicious fake news: I wont accept that total lie Ben Miller 27th July, 2026 Neymar: Watch goals video as Brazil icon cops ban on Santos return in strikers first match since World Cup 2026 Ben Miller 26th July, 2026 Otamendi announces Argentina retirement after 17-year international career Mitch Fretton 24th July, 2026 Spain boss De La Fuente slams unacceptable and intolerable Argentina behaviour Nicholas McGee 24th July, 2026 Gavi calls for Paredes to avoid suspension despite World Cup final bust-up Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026
