FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following several incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The case centers on two key events: the display of a Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) flag by Argentina’s players after their semifinal victory over England, and the post-match confrontation that took place after the World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The investigation also names Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, assistant coach Roberto Ayala, and Spain midfielder Gavi, all of whom are being reviewed for their involvement in incidents during or after the final.
One of FIFA’s main concerns is whether the Malvinas banner displayed by Argentina’s players could be considered a political message, something prohibited under the organization’s regulations. The governing body is also examining reports of discriminatory behavior, racist abuse, crowd disturbances, and objects thrown from the stands during several of Argentina’s matches throughout the tournament.
According to the disciplinary report, the AFA is being investigated for alleged violations that include inappropriate conduct, discriminatory incidents, security and crowd-control issues, protocol breaches, delays in match kickoffs, and other tournament-related incidents.
On an individual level, Molina and Paredes are facing allegations of aggressive conduct following the final, while Almada and Gavi have been cited for alleged unsporting behavior. Ayala is also included in the disciplinary proceedings.
All parties involved have been given the opportunity to submit their responses before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reaches a decision. After reviewing those explanations, the committee will determine whether any sanctions will be imposed and what form they may take.
Argentina has alredy qualified, will play in next WC, 4 yrs from now. If Messi can keep fit & play by then, will be historicaly amazing. Of course with new young players..
Players provoked and misbehaving on the field, is not unprecedented in world’s football matches, so Fifa’s possible sanctions on Arg players are unfair, as many past on-field fracas went unpunished. Uncontrolled emotions & disagreemnt also naturally happen in othr games, they should be ok once they cool down, or placated by security or officials. Stricter rules, fines, red cards or 1 or 2 game suspension, etc might be enough.
As for Malvinas/Falklands, Fifa isn’t fully politic free also, for eg. it excluded ruzia from joining the world cup for its Ukrn invasion.
All sorts of banners are waved by crowds, why single this one out? The players only appeased and helped display the crowd’s banner, not promoting the island claim but appeasing the crowd.
Malvinas was once co-occupied by England and France, then later by Spain, then Argentina, but the USA briefly oust it, paving the way for England again to occupy it for it’s natural resources & strategic military position.
So all 4 semi finalist were involved in the islands hehh..
Over zealous Argentine spectators shouldnt use WC to air their grievances. Maybe legal chalenges like the Mauritian suit of Chagos occupation can be used, not a sporting event.
It’s absolutely stupid from our players. I can understand fans getting carried away, but players should have been much more careful with these things. Politics should be kept away from sports as much as possible. Now, who knows what kind of sanctions we might have to face.
Argentina has always been extremely passionate, and that passion is part of our identity. I understand where it comes from. But at the same time, the way we win or play can often be ugly. We also have moments of pure magic. It’s like a double-edged sword — we either live or die with it.
Personally, I think it’s always better to celebrate only after you have won the entire thing. The trolls are always waiting for an opportunity to attack, and now we may have to deal with unnecessary consequences because of this.
Velez right now is pumping out players . Kiki is one and the other policella. Thomas de martis is dirty number 9. We will be fine . This is the land of maradona and Messi some body will come . For now enjoy football isn’t the end of the world. We will dominate again. Most likely copa America 28
THOMAS DE MARTIS! YES! I was waiting for him to get some traction and mentioned on this forum. He’s the next one up as a #9 I feel.
Tobias Ramirez is also a pretty good CB. Can see Thiago Fernandez getting a move to Europe some time soon.
Who is best winger?
1)Maher carrizo
2)Tomas aranda
3)kiki Ramos
4)Mastantuono
5)Soule
In future who is best option to play along with Julian Alvarez, Nico paz. As Nico paz is future number 10 and he can play in wing we need a proper winger to support him.
Mastantuono is not a pure winger. He’s best at number 10 or RCM in 433.
Kiki just started…don’t expect him at NT in near future..let him grow..
For NT…2030..my prediction on pure wingers..!
RW: Carrizo, Simeone,
LW: Garnacho, Prestianni
Outsider: Zeballos if injury free…
Soule?
Soule is the best winger of the lot you mentioned.
Maher Carrizo in terms of a profile is quite interesting because he seems to be a strong direct winger, good dribbler and can go both directions. Seems to be a decent ball carrier even in tight spaces. Not afraid to use both feet when dribbling or shooting. Also a threat from dead ball situations. He’s fairly tall so is better at riding contact than shorter wingers.
However, in spite of all these tools he has, the one he hasn’t shown enough of is a creative passing range which is funny because he looks like he should be quite proficient at it – especially given his dead ball capabilities. Hope he picks that up at Ajax.
Mastantuono is a #10 with a KDB/Kaka-esque build. Let’s not put him in winger discussions.
Tomas Aranda struck me as a #10, but I haven’t watched enough of him to form an opinion.
Kiki Ramos is a kid with the U17s lol. Garnacho, Prestianni and Soule were all kids in 2022 and still couldn’t get a spot in 2026. Give him time and let him breathe and grow into the player he will be lol
I have loved Argentine football since birth and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. But this was a long time coming.
Maradona, Batistuta, Riquelme, Messi, Di Maria, Dybala. I loved Argentina because of the beautiful football they play.
However these continued incidents of ugliness, this new “anything goes as long as we win” attitude towards football, racist shenanigans from fans (and even some players), lack of sportsmanship, blatant favoritism in team selection – this nonsense needs to stop.
Argentina won in 2022 not by playing dirty football, but by dominating Netherlands, Croatia and France. That second goal against France was an work of art. That is the Argentina that needs to come back.
You’re 100% right boss. My passion for this team runs deep. The first World Cup I ever followed was in 1990 at nine years old, watching Argentina fight its way to the final against West Germany. I have stood by this team through every triumph and heartbreak since birth. However, my love for the team makes it even more painful to witness the “sore loser” mentality of the team. Same thing happened in 2006 when we lost against Germany, Ayala started a brawl out of frustration. Defeat or intense rivalry is used to excuse hostile, aggressive behavior—has crossed a dangerous line. More specifically, the continuous racist chants by fans, and shockingly even by some players, are completely unacceptable and must stop. Fifa should lay down the hammer and make an example out of Paredes, Molina and Ayala. If it was up to me, they would’ve been banned permanently period .
Mikel Amondarain is now Bologna player..We are having depth in all area…only missing part is there is no new Messi..
Barco, Andrada, Ordonez..etc..
That demigod is irreplacable, he will continue though so we wont have any problems. Messi now will play as an impact player