The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), four individuals associated with the Albiceleste, and Spanish midfielder Gavi following chaotic incidents at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to reports by the Spanish news agency Efe.
Based on a report submitted by a designated ethics and disciplinary inspector, world soccer’s governing body targeted Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada, alongside assistant coach and former national team player Roberto Fabián Ayala. Spain’s Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known as Gavi, was also named in the disciplinary filings following a late-match altercation.
AFA Faces Multiple Charges Over Stadium Security and Political Messages
The Argentine Football Association confronts a battery of potential infractions under FIFA’s disciplinary code. The governing body is investigating the AFA for alleged violations of Article 13, which prohibits utilizing a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. Investigators are also reviewing Article 14 for inappropriate conduct, Article 15 covering discrimination and racist abuse, and Article 17 regarding stadium order and security.
FIFA explicitly flagged the display of banners referencing the Falkland Islands—known in Spanish as the Islas Malvinas—following Argentina’s semifinal victory against England. Furthermore, Article 17 breaches encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, kickoff delays, non-compliance with match and safety protocols, inappropriate messaging displayed by both the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by fans across multiple tournament matches involving the South American side.
Individual Sanctions and Player Investigations
On an individual level, the disciplinary scope broadens significantly for the reigning world champions. Nahuel Molina faces two separate charges of assault—one consummated and one attempted—alongside an additional count of unsportsmanlike conduct. Leandro Paredes is implicated on three distinct charges of assault, while Thiago Almada faces a charge of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Roberto Fabián Ayala, a key assistant to manager Lionel Scaloni, is charged with a single count of assault. From the Spanish camp, midfielder Gavi is under investigation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Match footage and reports indicate the Spanish teenager became entangled in a late-match fracas after defending himself against an aggressive action by Paredes as tensions boiled over on the pitch.
Next Steps in the Disciplinary Process
All charged entities and individuals have been granted an opportunity to submit formal statements and present their defense to governing officials. Once the defendants have provided their responses, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will review the evidence and issue final rulings on sanctions.
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