FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association and several Argentina players over a number of incidents during the FIFA World Cup.
One of the main issues involves a banner displayed by Argentina players after their semifinal win over England in Atlanta.
Following the victory, some players held up a banner that read, “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas,” which means “The Falklands are Argentine.”
FIFA said using a sporting event to make political or non sporting statements may break its disciplinary rules.
This is not the first time Argentina has faced action over a similar banner. In 2014, FIFA fined the team £20,000 after players displayed the same message before a friendly match against Slovenia.
FIFA is also investigating other incidents during the World Cup. These include alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kickoffs, failures in security procedures, unsuitable messages from teams and fans, and objects thrown from the stands during several matches.
The governing body has also opened cases against several players after the World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain beat Argentina 1 0 after extra time.
Tensions rose after the final whistle when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes pushed Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground as Spain’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate.
Paredes faces three charges of assault. Nahuel Molina faces two charges. Molina, Thiago Almada, Argentina assistant Roberto Ayala and Spain’s Gavi have each also been charged with one count of unsporting behaviour.
FIFA said all those involved have been given the chance to respond. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will review their statements before making a final decision.
