Disciplinary proceedings initiated
Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following their conduct after the World Cup final loss to Spain, as well as actions throughout the tournament. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate events that transpired 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. These include Argentina players Nahuel Molina, facing two counts, and Leandro Paredes, facing three counts. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation for one count. These investigations are primarily for alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
Additionally, Molina may face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour, also under article 14. Argentina team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach of unsporting behaviour. 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.
Breaches by the Argentinian Football Association
The Argentinian Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches during the tournament. These alleged breaches include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, which falls under article 13 of the disciplinary code. Other potential violations include team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).
The alleged breaches related to order and security at matches encompass various issues. These include discriminatory chants and gestures from spectators, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by both the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators. These incidents were noted in relation to several matches throughout the tournament.
One specific incident highlighted involved Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final victory over England. After their dramatic 2-1 win, several players displayed a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This action refers to their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands is a long-running issue, with the islands having been ruled by Britain since 1833. This territorial dispute led to a 74-day conflict in 1982, which resulted in the loss of more than 900 lives, including 649 Argentinians and 255 Britons.
Fifa’s disciplinary code explicitly prohibits the use of a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. The display of the banner prompted political discussion on both sides of the Atlantic. A spokesperson for the then UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, commented that while the World Cup might not belong to the UK, the Falkland Islands definitely do. Conversely, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Fifa taskforce, defended Argentina’s players, stating that the US believes in free speech.
This is not the first instance of an Argentina team expressing similar sentiments. In 2014, Fifa fined Argentina £20,000 for a significantly larger banner displayed by players before a friendly match against Slovenia in La Plata. Fifa’s full charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association for the recent World Cup also includes failure to comply with match and security protocols.
Next steps in the proceedings
The chaotic scenes following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final are also a key part of the investigation. Altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain attempted to celebrate their victory. Leandro Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, was reportedly seen wrestling Spain’s Eric García to the ground, leading to his three counts of assault charge.
Nahuel Molina, a defender, faces two counts of assault, one completed and one attempted, in addition to one count of unsporting behaviour. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault, and 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.
According to Fifa, in line with their disciplinary code, the individuals and the association facing these charges have been given the chance to present their positions. Following this, the Fifa disciplinary committee is expected to issue a decision in due course.
Source: bbc.com
