Fifa charges Argentina over post-final assaults and Falklands banner

Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) and several of its players and staff following incidents during and after the 2023 Women's World Cup final. The world governing body announced the investigation on [date], citing multiple breaches of its disciplinary code.

Post-final altercations

After Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on July 20 at New York New Jersey Stadium, multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players. On the recommendation of a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor appointed by Fifa, the governing body will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina (two counts) and Leandro Paredes (three counts), as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one count), for alleged assault under Article 14 of Fifa's disciplinary code. Molina also faces one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article. Additionally, Argentina's Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are accused of the same breach of unsporting behaviour.

Under Fifa's disciplinary code, players and officials face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and at least three matches for assault.

Falklands banner and other charges

The AFA is facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches, including using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (Article 13), team misconduct (Article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (Article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (Article 17). The latter relates to discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the team and spectators displaying inappropriate messages, and spectators throwing objects.

One notable incident occurred after Argentina's semi-final win over England, when players celebrated with a banner supporting their country's claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine").

Background and implications

The disciplinary proceedings mark a significant escalation in Fifa's response to on-field and off-field misconduct during the tournament. The charges against Argentina come amid broader scrutiny of player behaviour and fan conduct at international events. If found guilty, the AFA could face fines, point deductions, or even exclusion from future tournaments, while individual players risk suspensions.

Fifa has not yet set a date for the disciplinary hearings.