**Argentina Charged After World Cup Final Brawl**
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has launched disciplinary charges against two Argentine players and the country’s football federation for their involvement in a scuffle after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Spain at the World Cup final.
The incident occurred on July 19, when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was involved in a confrontation with Spanish defender Nahuel Molina. The altercation took place just minutes before the match ended, and both players were subsequently charged by FIFA for “unsporting behaviour”.
Paredes faces three charges of assault, while Molina is facing two charges related to unsportsmanlike conduct. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been charged with one count of assaulting a referee.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration at the perceived disrespect shown by Argentina’s players towards Spanish opponents.
Argentina also carried a banner during the match that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Malvinas are Argentine”, referencing the disputed Falkland Islands. The country has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, which were invaded in 1982 under orders from its military dictatorship and remain unclaimed to this day.
FIFA’s decision comes after British government officials urged the football body to investigate the incident, citing concerns that it may have been used as a demonstration of non-sporting behaviour. The formal charge was made on Wednesday, with all parties now having an opportunity to present their position before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
The charges are part of a larger list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina, which also includes allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures during matches, as well as alleged assault by assistant coach Roberto Ayala after the final. The committee will review all evidence before making its decision on the matter.
**Background**
Argentina’s World Cup win marked their first title in 36 years, ending a drought that had seen them finish third in 2022 behind France and Brazil. However, the victory was marred by controversy surrounding the disputed Falkland Islands, with Argentina claiming sovereignty over the islands while Spain maintained its claim to the territory.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the country’s relationship with the UK and its treatment of British citizens on the island. The British government has expressed disappointment at FIFA’s decision not to take further action against Argentina for their involvement in the scuffle, but has welcomed the opportunity for the football body to review all evidence before making a final judgment.
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Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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