Disciplinary proceedings initiated
Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following incidents that occurred during the World Cup. These proceedings relate to the team’s conduct after their final loss to Spain and their behaviour throughout the tournament. A disciplinary and ethics prosecutor was appointed to review events that transpired after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players after a 1-0 defeat in July.
Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, for alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code. Molina may also face disciplinary action for alleged unsporting behaviour under article 14. Additionally, Argentina team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are accused of similar breaches.
Allegations and potential breaches
Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, players and officials could face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and a minimum of three matches for assault. The Argentinian Football Association is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across several matches. These include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (article 13), 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 encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects. One notable incident involved Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final victory over England with a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
This display followed their semi-final win against England in Atlanta. The banner, proclaiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” refers to the British overseas territory in the south Atlantic. Fifa’s disciplinary code prohibits “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.” This incident is not the first time an Argentina team has expressed such sentiments; in 2014, Fifa fined Argentina for a larger banner displayed before a friendly match.
Post-final altercations
The full charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association also details “discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches.” Several players are under investigation concerning the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the final.
Altercations reportedly broke out across the pitch at New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain attempted to celebrate their victory. Leandro Paredes faces three counts of assault, while Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault and one count of unsporting behaviour. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one count of assault, and Thiago Almada faces one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain’s Gavi also faces an unsporting behaviour charge.
Fifa has stated that the respondents have been given the opportunity to present their positions, and a decision will be issued by the Fifa disciplinary committee in due course.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
