Disciplinary proceedings initiated
Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following their conduct after the World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess incidents that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were reportedly involved in altercations with Spain players after their 1-0 defeat in July.
Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate several individuals. Among them are Argentina players Nahuel Molina, facing two counts, and Leandro Paredes, facing three counts. Additionally, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is under investigation for one count of alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
Molina may also face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour, also under article 14. Fellow teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are accused of the same breach. Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, players and officials could face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, and at least three matches for assault.
Allegations against the Argentinian Football Association
The Argentinian Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches. These include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (article 13), team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).
The breaches related to order and security at matches encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects. These allegations cover several matches during the tournament.
One specific incident highlighted involves Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final win over England with a banner. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine), expressed support for their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. This display occurred after their dramatic 2-1 victory against England in Atlanta.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands, which have been under British rule since 1833, is a long-standing issue that led to a 74-day conflict in 1982. This conflict resulted in the loss of over 900 lives, including 649 Argentinians and 255 Britons. Fifa’s disciplinary code prohibits the use of a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations.
This is not the first instance of an Argentina team expressing such sentiments. In 2014, Fifa fined Argentina £20,000 for a larger banner displayed by players before a friendly match with Slovenia in La Plata. The current incident prompted political discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.
Details of player investigations
The chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final have led to several players being investigated. As Spain attempted to celebrate, altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Leandro Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, who was reportedly seen wrestling Spain’s Eric García to the ground, faces three counts of assault under the Fifa disciplinary code. Defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault, described as one completed and one attempted, along with one count of unsporting behaviour.
Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault. Thiago Almada, who was an unused substitute in the final, faces one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain’s Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.
Fifa has stated that the respondents have been given the opportunity to present their position. Following this, a decision will be issued by the Fifa disciplinary committee in due course.
Source: bbc.com
