FIFA charges Argentina after World Cup final brawl with Spain - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing The Associated Press, reported that FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents at the World Cup, including clashes after the July 19 final against Spain and a political banner displayed after Argentina’s semifinal win over England. Spain won the final 1-0, and FIFA’s case list was made public on Wednesday.

According to the report, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been charged with three counts of assault linked to post-match confrontations, while defender Nahuel Molina faces two assault charges. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also charged over an alleged assault after the final. Molina and Thiago Almada are additionally accused of unsporting conduct, as is Spain player Gavi.

FIFA also charged Argentina’s federation over players carrying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translated as “The Malvinas are Argentine,” after Argentina beat England 2-1 in the semifinals. Argentina uses the name Islas Malvinas for the Falkland Islands, a British-administered territory that Argentine forces invaded in 1982, leading to a 10-week war won by Britain. Al Jazeera reported that British government officials had pressed FIFA to examine the incident.

The disciplinary file also includes allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures by fans, spectator object-throwing across several matches, and using a sporting event for a non-sporting demonstration. FIFA said those charged have been given a chance to respond before its Disciplinary Committee issues decisions. The cases matter because they could lead to sanctions against players, staff or the federation after football’s biggest tournament.