Archive · 30 Jul 2026
FIFA Charges Argentina Over Falklands Banner and Final Brawl
FIFA is investigating Argentina’s football team after a big World Cup game.
Some Argentine players held up a banner that says the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina, which FIFA says is not allowed.
After the final game, a player named Leandro Paredes got into a fight with a Spanish player called Gavi.
FIFA has put charges against several players and the Argentine football association.
Everyone now has a chance to explain themselves before FIFA decides what will happen.
FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina’s football association and several players for a Falklands banner and a post‑final brawl.
Leandro Paredes faces three assault charges; Nahuel Molina faces two assault charges; Thiago Almada, Roberto Ayala, and Spain’s Gavi face unsporting behaviour charges.
The banner read “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” after Argentina beat England in the semifinal, prompting FIFA to charge Argentina for using a sports event for non‑sporting demonstrations.
Other alleged breaches include discriminatory chants, late kick‑offs, security lapses, inappropriate messages, and objects thrown by fans across several matches.
All respondents have been given the opportunity to present their defence before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will issue a final decision.
- Who
- Argentina football association, FIFA, and players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Roberto Ayala, and Spain’s Gavi
- What
- FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings for a Falklands banner and a post‑final brawl
- When
- July 17–19, 2026
- Where
- World Cup 2026 matches in Atlanta and New Jersey
- Why
- Alleged breaches of FIFA disciplinary code, including political demonstration and unsporting behaviour
- Event
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Disciplinary Body
- FIFA Disciplinary Committee
- Players Charged
- Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Roberto Ayala, Gavi
- Banner Content
- Las Malvinas Son Argentinas
- Charges
- Assault, Unsporting behaviour, Discriminatory chants, etc.
