What FIFA Is Investigating

FIFA has launched formal disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several members of the Argentina national team, assistant coach Roberto Ayala, and Spanish midfielder Gavi following incidents during and after the 2026 World Cup. The charges stem largely from the aftermath of the final on July 19, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but they also cover other stages of the tournament.

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three counts of assault for his role in post-match confrontations. Defender Nahuel Molina is charged with two counts of assault – one completed, one attempted – plus unsportsmanlike conduct. Thiago Almada and Gavi (Pablo Martín Páez Gavira) are each charged with unsportsmanlike conduct. Assistant coach Roberto Fabián Ayala faces an additional charge of assault.

The case against the AFA is broader, covering possible violations of Articles 13, 14, 15, and 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Among the most politically sensitive charges is the use of a sporting event for non-sporting statements, linked to the banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” that players displayed after defeating England 2-1 in the semifinals – a reference to the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute that drew protests from the UK government.

FIFA is also investigating the Argentine federation for potential discriminatory chants and gestures, racist aggression, delays to match starts, breaches of match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages, and the throwing of objects by fans during various Argentina matches. All accused now have the right to present their version of events before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee issues a verdict.

Why the Charges Go Beyond the Final Pitch

The Political Dimension of the Malvinas Banner

The most diplomatically charged element is the Malvinas banner, which puts FIFA in a sensitive position between Argentina’s long-standing sovereignty claim and the UK’s expectation of enforcement against political displays. The football body’s rules prohibit using events for non-sporting purposes, and this case tests its willingness to sanction a team over a nationalist gesture that resonates deeply within Argentina but is seen as a breach by other members.

Scope of the Argentina Investigation

Unlike typical post-match scuffles, the charges against the AFA extend to alleged systemic issues: repeated discriminatory chants, security lapses, and crowd disorder across multiple matches. This suggests the ethics investigator’s report found a pattern, not isolated incidents, which could lead to sanctions beyond individual suspensions – such as fines, stadium bans, or points deductions in future competitions – depending on the severity FIFA’s disciplinary committee decides to uphold.

What Gavi’s Involvement Actually Means

Gavi’s charge of unsportsmanlike conduct appears to be less severe than the assault counts other players face. Still, any formal disciplinary mark is notable for a young, high-profile player, as it can influence reputation and future on-field disciplinary assessments. The lack of detail on the specific incident leaves open the possibility of a provocative comment or gesture rather than physical altercation, but the charge alone puts his conduct under official scrutiny.

Likely Next Steps in FIFA’s Process

All parties will now submit their defences. The disciplinary committee is expected to issue resolutions within weeks, though the complexity of the AFA case – covering multiple articles and historical incidents – may prolong the timeline. Sanctions, if imposed, would then be subject to appeal at the FIFA Appeal Committee and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport.