FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina that could see six of their players slapped with bans ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste are being investigated for breaching multiple rules at the just-concluded World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were gunning to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups since 1962, but saw their dreams dashed after Ferran Torres’ second-half strike sealed a second World Cup title for Spain.
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La Roja outplayed the 2022 champions, whose aggressive style saw them commit 25 fouls and pick up six yellow cards, including a red card to Enzo Fernandez.
However, the unpleasant scene came at full time when players from both sides were involved in a melee. The camera showed Nahuel Molina involved in an altercation with Rodri, before capturing Leandro Paredes ‘ attack on Eric Garcia and Gavi.
Paredes grabbed Garcia by the throat before shoving Gavi to the ground. In another incident, Argentina assistant coach Robert Ayala appeared to strike Dani Olmo near the face. The investigation also indicted Thiago Almada and Gavi, who appeared to have struck Paredes during the fracas.
Paredes and Ayala are being investigated for assault, while Molina, Gavi and Almada face potential unsporting behaviour charges. Molina is also being investigated for multiple counts of assault.
In a separate proceeding, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso are also being investigated for displaying the Falklands banner in the aftermath of their semifinal victory over England.
According to the Sun (via SportBible), the six Argentine players could be hit with a ban that could affect them at the next World Cup. Argentina are one of the centenary hosts for the 2030 World Cup, hosting one opening-round game to mark the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
The three-time World Cup winners would not partake in the qualification campaign after being handed a rare automatic qualification for the Mundial as one of the centenary host nations.
Argentina president slams critics of national team after 2026 FIFA World Cup runners-up finish
Argentina’s president Javier Milei has pointed fingers at Brazil, Mexico and the United States for running campaigns against La Albiceleste during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He claimed that the “anti-Argentina campaign” was financed by the US Democratic Party and the governments of Brazil and Mexico. He alleged that they funded the coordinated criticism of the country’s team, racism accusations and conspiracy theories alleging that FIFA favoured the side during the tournament.
“It was the work of progressive minds who do not want the ideas of freedom to succeed. They denied the existence of the black population in Argentina, and ignored our idiosyncrasies and our history … We are a welcoming home for all nations,” Milei said during a radio interview (via Guardian).
Lionel Scaloni’s side were heavily criticised for being favoured by refereeing decisions throughout the tournament.
Edited by Okenna Okere