FIFA Charges Argentine Players over Post-Final Violence

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against three members of Argentina’s national team following incidents after the World Cup final. It is also investigating the Argentine Football Association over multiple rule violations during the tournament.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three allegations of assault; defender Nahuel Molina is accused of assault and unsporting conduct; and assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault.

The incidents occurred after the July 19 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Cameras showed Molina striking Spanish midfielder Rodri in the midsection, Paredes grabbing Éric García by the throat and pushing him to the ground, and Ayala putting his hands on Dani Olmo’s neck.

Ayala later apologized but said he had been reacting “to something [Olmo] said”. Olmo rejected the apology and denied making any such remarks.

FIFA said the accused would have an opportunity to respond before its disciplinary committee issued a decision. It also brought lesser proceedings for unsporting conduct against Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi.

The Argentine Football Association is also under investigation over several rule violations during the tournament. FIFA said these included discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kickoffs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, inappropriate messages displayed by the team and spectators and objects thrown by spectators.

Among the incidents under review is a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Malvinas Islands are Argentine”), which Argentine players displayed after their semifinal victory over England.

(Reuters, lud)