Argentina's World Cup run ended in 1-0 defeat against Spain weeks ago. FIFA is only now opening formal disciplinary proceedings over how the team and its fans behaved throughout the tournament. The federation confirmed Wednesday it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the AFA.
It also named three individuals specifically over an assault charge tied to the chaos that followed the World Cup final whistle in New Jersey.
FIFA Opens Disciplinary Proceedings Against Paredes, Molina And Ayala
Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala are each facing proceedings under Article 14 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code over an alleged assault during the confrontation with Spain's players that erupted seconds after the final whistle.
Leandro Paredes faces the most serious allegations of the three. FIFA has charged him with three separate breaches of Article 14, following allegations that he grabbed and pushed multiple Spain players during the post-match confrontation.
Nahuel Molina is accused of throwing a punch towards Spain captain Rodri during the altercation. The proceedings also include Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, making him one of the few members of a coaching staff to face an individual disciplinary case arising from an on-field incident.
Thiago Almada has also been named separately in FIFA's broader investigation, though his case appears tied to team conduct rather than the specific assault charges against the other three. Spain isn't entirely spared either.
Gavi is also facing his own proceedings from the same incident, a detail that's received far less attention than the charges against Argentina's players.
Why FIFA Has Charged The AFA
Separately from the individual cases, FIFA opened a case against the Argentine federation itself, citing breaches across four different articles of its Disciplinary Code. The first charge involves a banner Argentina's players held after beating England in the semi-final.
It read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," a reference to the disputed Falkland Islands, which FIFA classifies as a political statement banned under Article 13. The remaining allegations relate to incidents throughout Argentina's World Cup campaign.
FIFA also cited discriminatory behaviour by supporters, delays to kick-offs at several matches, failures to comply with security protocols, and objects being thrown from the stands.
None of these AFA charges are new complaints filed after the fact. FIFA's statement grouped incidents from across Argentina's entire World Cup run into a single proceeding rather than issuing them one at a time as they happened.
Why This Case Could Take Months To Resolve
FIFA gave no timeline for a ruling, saying only that its Disciplinary Committee will decide "in due course." La Albiceleste and the named individuals will get the chance to respond before any decision is made. This isn't the first time FIFA has moved slowly on an Argentina case.
After the 2022 final in Qatar, FIFA opened a similar investigation into offensive conduct and also gave no timetable for a decision. Past Article 13 cases have typically ended in fines rather than sporting sanctions.
Nothing in FIFA's process can reopen the result of the final itself, no matter what penalties eventually follow. For now, the AFA and three named individuals are simply waiting. The difference this time is that Argentina left New Jersey without the trophy at all.
