Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) over a number of World Cup incidents, including the unveiling of a Falklands banner after their match against England.
Argentina players celebrated their semi-final win over the Three Lions by displaying a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translating as “The Falklands are Argentinian”.
Political tensions linger between the two nations over the Falkland Islands, known as “Las Malvinas” in Argentina, who have repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the archipelago – something which resulted in a 74-day war in 1982.
Such a political demonstration is potential breach of Fifa’s disciplinary code under Article 13(2)(c), which prohibits “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
The AFA was previously fined £20,000 by Fifa in 2014 after Argentina’s players held up a banner with the same message following a friendly win over Slovenia, which breached rules on political action and team misconduct.
Argentina fans had also chanted songs referencing the islands throughout this World Cup, with Fifa also looking into potential breaches surrounding discriminatory chants and gestures.
The world footballing body confirmed the case will look at other potential breaches of its disciplinary code beyond the Falklands during several World Cup matches.
Other alleged breaches include 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.
It comes after disciplinary proceedings were opened against several players involved in the post-match brawl following Argentina’s final loss to Spain.
Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are being investigated for the alleged assault of Spain’s Rodri and Eric Garcia following the 1-0 extra-time defeat in New Jersey, whilst assistant Roberto Ayala is also under investigation.
Argentina attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is also accused of unsporting behaviour alongside Molina and Spain’s Gavi.
“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.
