FIFA Opens Disciplinary Case Against Argentina Over Falklands Banner at World Cup

FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the national team following multiple incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the display of a politically sensitive banner referencing the Falkland Islands.

The investigation was launched after Argentina's semi-final victory over England in Atlanta, where several players celebrated by holding a banner reading "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"). The slogan refers to Argentina's long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory that remains the subject of a decades-old sovereignty dispute.


According to FIFA, the display may constitute a breach of its disciplinary regulations, which prohibit the use of football matches or official competitions for political, ideological or other non-sporting demonstrations.



The governing body confirmed that the incident forms part of a broader disciplinary investigation involving the Argentine team during the World Cup. FIFA noted that using sporting events to promote non-sporting messages could violate its disciplinary code, and the matter will now be reviewed by its Disciplinary Committee.


This is not the first time Argentina has faced sanctions over a Falklands-related display. In 2014, FIFA fined the AFA £20,000 after Argentine players displayed a similar banner before an international friendly against Slovenia.


In addition to the banner controversy, FIFA is examining several other alleged breaches involving the Argentine delegation during the tournament. These include accusations of discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in kick-off times, failures to comply with security protocols, inappropriate messages displayed by players and supporters, and incidents involving objects thrown by fans during multiple matches.

Separate disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated over events that unfolded after the World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.

Following the final whistle, tensions boiled over as a brief confrontation broke out on the pitch. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes allegedly shoved Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground while Spanish substitutes rushed onto the field to celebrate their victory.

As a result, Paredes is facing three disciplinary charges related to assault. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has been charged with two counts, while Molina, Thiago Almada, Argentine assistant Roberto Ayala and Spain's Gavi each face an additional count of unsporting behaviour stemming from the altercation.

FIFA said all parties involved have now been formally notified of the allegations and given the opportunity to submit their responses before any disciplinary decisions are made.


"In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course," the governing body said in a statement.

The disciplinary process could result in fines, suspensions or other sanctions depending on the committee's findings.

The investigations add another chapter to Argentina's eventful World Cup campaign, which saw the South American side reach the final before narrowly losing to Spain. While their performances on the field earned widespread praise, several off-field incidents have now come under FIFA's scrutiny.

The timing of the proceedings also highlights FIFA's continued efforts to enforce regulations aimed at keeping political messages out of football competitions while maintaining discipline among players, officials and supporters throughout major international tournaments.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is expected to review the evidence and submissions from all parties before announcing its final verdict in the coming weeks.