FIFA has initiated an investigation following incidents that took place during the Spain-Argentina final, where a politically charged banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” was displayed by Argentine fans during their semifinal win over England.
Argentine players implicated in these incidents are facing serious penalties starting with Leandro Paredes, who is facing three charges of aggression. According to Article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, Paredes, a Boca Juniors defender, could face sanctions for aggressive behavior, violations of fair play, and actions that discredit football or FIFA.
Leandro Paredes Could Be Suspended for Up to Nine Matches
This type of behavior is punishable by a minimum of three matches, according to FIFA’s disciplinary code: “At least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assaulting (including elbowing, punching, kicking, or biting) an opponent or any other person who is not a match official.” Given the three charges against him, Paredes could potentially be suspended for up to nine matches, with standard penalties typically ranging from five to six matches.
In the case of Nahuel Molina, who faces two counts of aggression, one completed and one attempted, he may receive a six-match suspension, although this could ultimately be reduced to four matches. Meanwhile, Roberto Fabián Ayala, assistant to head coach Lionel Scaloni, faces a three-match ban for his charge of aggression.
Incident Triggered by Nahuel Molina’s Actions
The controversy erupted immediately after the final whistle. Several members of the Argentine team and their staff were witnessed in multiple altercations with Spanish players. Nahuel Molina, Paredes, Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were among those involved.
When Spanish player Rodri, substituted in stoppage time, ran off the bench to celebrate with his teammates, Argentine defender Nahuel Molina pushed him. This contact sparked a rapid exchange of words that escalated quickly.
Eric Garcia intervened to support his teammate, before Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes got involved, striking Garcia in the throat during the altercation. The confrontation intensified when Gavi attempted to intervene but was tackled to the ground by Thiago Almada. Paredes was then seen pushing Gavi away.
Ayala further escalated the situation by approaching Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo and punching him in the chest. Although he later apologized, stating, “I shouldn’t have done that,” it does not absolve him of responsibility.
Argentine Federation Faces Significant Fine
Additionally, there is an ongoing investigation against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for discriminatory chants and gestures, violations of match protocols and security measures, delays in starting matches, displaying inappropriate messages by players and fans (including the message about the Malvinas/Falkland Islands), and throwing objects.
Typically, such issues are resolved with hefty fines, and in extreme cases, there may be partial or total stadium closures for upcoming home matches. Regarding fines, the regulations state that they will generally not be less than $100 and not exceed $1,000,000. However, penalties related to specific provisions of this code can exceed these limits.
FIFA will forward the allegations to the AFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), allowing them to present their arguments and explanations.
