Paredes faces 3 assault charges; FIFA charges Argentina over 'Malvinas' banner

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several Argentina players, coaching staff and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following incidents during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The charges stem from the heated aftermath of Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, as well as events surrounding the team's semifinal victory over England and fan behaviour throughout the tournament.Paredes and Molina face assault chargesArgentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and defender Nahuel Molina are among the players facing the most serious allegations. Paredes has been charged with three counts of assault under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after allegedly grabbing and pushing Spain players, including Eric García and Gavi, during the post-match altercation.Molina has been charged with two counts of assault, one completed and one attempted, after allegedly striking Spain captain Rodri. He also faces an additional charge of unsporting behaviour. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged with assault over his involvement in the confrontation, while winger Thiago Almada has been cited for unsporting conduct.Spain midfielder Gavi is also under investigation and has been charged with one count of unsporting behaviour arising from the same incident.AFA charged over Falklands bannerBeyond the on-field clashes, FIFA has also charged the Argentine Football Association (AFA) after Argentina's players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Malvinas are Argentine") following their 2-1 semifinal victory over England. The slogan refers to the Falkland Islands, known as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina. The islands remain the subject of a long-standing sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom, making the banner a politically sensitive statement.FIFA alleges the display amounted to using a sporting event for a non-sporting political demonstration, which is prohibited under its disciplinary regulations.Additional charges against Argentina The disciplinary case against the AFA extends beyond the banner incident and includes several alleged breaches recorded during the tournament. The governing body is investigating:Alleged discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters.Throwing of objects by spectators during multiple matches.Alleged failures relating to match organisation and security protocols.Team misconduct linked to the mass confrontation after the World Cup final.These matters will be reviewed separately by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee.What Could Happen Next?British government officials urged FIFA to investigate, and the soccer body said Wednesday the formal charge was “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.”FIFA said all the people charged “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.”If found guilty, the players could face match suspensions and financial penalties. Assault offences under FIFA's disciplinary regulations can carry bans of at least three matches, while unsporting behaviour may result in a minimum one-match suspension.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.