FIFA files lawsuit against three Argentines over brawl after World Cup final

FIFA has filed a disciplinary action against Argentine footballers Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala for assault after they were involved in a brawl and confrontation with Spanish footballers after the World Cup final in New Jersey.

FIFA’s move follows a week-long investigation into the incident that marred the post-match celebrations at MetLife Stadium, and has also opened proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for alleged breaches of rules in “several matches” of the tournament.

In addition, proceedings have been opened against Argentine Thiago Almada and Spanish midfielder Gavi for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the charges against Paredes, Molina and Ayala are very serious, relating to the on-field clashes with Gabi, Rodri and Dani Olmo. If found guilty, the three could face long-term bans.
“The accused have now been given the opportunity to present their case in accordance with FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will then decide on the matter in due course,” FIFA said in a statement.

Political messages and other allegations

The proceedings against the AFA also include slogans and inappropriate messages, including political references to the Falkland Islands (which Argentina claims as ‘Islas Malvinas’ and are currently controlled by the UK).

After Argentina’s semi-final win over England, players displayed a banner on the pitch that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Malvinas Islands are Argentina.” They left the banner on the pitch before leaving the pitch after the match. The AFA is also under investigation for alleged racist abuse.

FIFA’s statement added, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has initiated proceedings against the Argentine Football Association for possible violations of Article 13, Section 2(c) (Using a sporting event for unsporting purposes), Article 14, Section 5 (Team misconduct), Article 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) and Article 17 (Match discipline and security) of the FIFA Disciplinary Regulations. The action was taken in the wake of the Argentine delegation’s use of discriminatory slogans and gestures in multiple matches at the World Cup tournament, failure to start the game on time, failure to comply with match and security protocols, inappropriate messages displayed by the team and spectators, and incidents of objects being thrown onto the pitch from the gallery by spectators.”

It is worth noting that Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the World Cup final on July 12, thanks to Ferran Torres’ only goal. Lionel Scaloni’s team came very close to winning the World Cup for the second time in a row, the first since Brazil in 1962, but fell short.