Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after World Cup final
Disciplinary proceedings initiated
Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following their conduct after the World Cup final loss to Spain, as well as throughout the tournament. A disciplinary and ethics prosecutor was appointed last week to assess the events that transpired after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were reportedly involved in altercations with Spain players after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat in July.
The investigation, based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, will focus on several individuals. Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, are under scrutiny for alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code. Molina faces two counts of alleged assault, while Paredes faces three counts, and Ayala one count.
Additionally, Molina may face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under article 14. Teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach. Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, players and officials could face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and at least three matches for assault.
Breaches across multiple matches
The Argentinian Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches that occurred across several matches. These include 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 charges related to order and security encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators. The Argentinian Football Association’s charge sheet also includes “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 relation to several matches.”
One specific incident highlighted involves Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final win over England with a banner. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine), expressed support for their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. This display occurred after their 2-1 victory against England in Atlanta.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands has been ongoing since 1833 and led to a 74-day conflict in 1982. Fifa’s disciplinary code prohibits “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.” This incident was not the first time an Argentina team had expressed similar sentiments; in 2014, Fifa fined Argentina for a larger banner displayed before a friendly match.
Next steps in the proceedings
The chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final are also a key part of the investigation. Altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain attempted to celebrate their victory. Leandro Paredes was reportedly seen wrestling Spain’s Eric García to the ground.
Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault, described as one completed and one attempted, in addition to one count of unsporting behaviour. Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault, and Thiago Almada, who was an unused substitute in the final, faces one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain’s Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.
According to Fifa, the individuals involved have been given the opportunity to present their positions. A decision will be issued by the Fifa disciplinary committee in due course.
Source: bbc.com
