Argentina are facing formal disciplinary proceedings from Fifa following their behaviour after the World Cup final defeat to Spain and throughout the tournament.
The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess incidents that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium in July.
Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players following their 1-0 loss in the final.
Fifa will now investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, for alleged assault under article 14 of the disciplinary code.
Molina faces two counts of alleged assault, Paredes faces three counts, and Ayala faces one count related to the post-match incidents.
Molina may also face further action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour, with team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi accused of the same breach.
Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, players and officials face at least a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and at least three matches for assault.
The Argentinian Football Association itself is also facing disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches spanning multiple matches during the tournament.
Those charges include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and breaching order and security at matches.
The latter category covers discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, inappropriate messages displayed by the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects at matches.
Among the most prominent incidents was Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final victory over England by displaying a banner in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine”, and prompted Fifa to assess match reports following the incident.
The proceedings mark a significant escalation in scrutiny of Argentina’s conduct across what proved to be a turbulent and controversial tournament campaign.
