FIFA charges Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina over World Cup final brawl

Disciplinary action has intensified following the conclusion of the tournament, hitting high-profile members of the sports world. The proceedings follow a series of flashpoints during the competition, culminating in an ugly melee after the final whistle.

Charges Stem from MetLife Stadium Clashes

Tensions boiled over at the MetLife Stadium in New York after Spain claimed victory courtesy of a strike by Ferran Torres in extra-time. Argentina had been ill-tempered throughout the match and saw Enzo Fernandez sent off in the final moments of regulation time. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate, which sparked a wider mass confrontation between both teams. Boca Juniors midfielder Paredes was then seen grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground. Paredes was shown a red card after the final whistle before it was later rescinded.

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The FIFA Disciplinary Committee received a report from the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor before issuing the formal charges. The regulatory body cited potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code regarding assault and unsporting behaviour.

• Leandro Paredes: Facing three counts of assault.
• Nahuel Molina: Facing two counts of assault (one completed and one attempted) plus one count of unsporting behaviour.
• Roberto Ayala: Facing one count of assault and one count of unsportmanlike behaviour.
• Thiago Almada: Facing one count of unsporting behaviour.
• Gavi (Spain): Facing one count of unsporting behaviour.

Broader Disciplinary Proceedings Against AFA

Beyond the player sanctions, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces separate proceedings over a politically sensitive banner displayed after the semifinal victory over England. Players paraded a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', translating to 'The Falklands are Argentine'. The Falklands conflict involved a 74-day war that cost the lives of British servicemen and Argentine personnel. British officials had called for an investigation into the display, which FIFA categorises as using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Additional charges against the AFA include discriminatory chants and gestures, racist abuse, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, team misconduct, and objects thrown by spectators across several tournament fixtures.

Reactions and Apologies

Public condemnation of the team's conduct was swift. Alan Shearer remarked on the BBC that Paredes threw multiple haymakers into someone's face and that there is no place or space for that. Shearer added that while it is understood how much the tournament means and how much it hurts to lose, there is a way to lose, noting that the reaction after the final whistle was terrible.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala offered a public apology on Valencia Capital Radio:

"Of course I'm sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions. For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn't a punch as they're making it out to be. It was a reaction to something he said, but that's it. If I see him, I'll obviously apologise to him in person."

Roberto Ayala, Assistant Coach, via Mirror and Metro

Ayala added that when the game ended he saw a fight in the middle of the pitch and rushed to go after the players. He stated that his original intention was to go and separate them, acknowledging that emotions ran high but maintaining that it was no excuse and that his behaviour in his position had to be different.

What Happens Next

All accused individuals and the AFA have been given the opportunity to present their positions and responses to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee before the governing body reaches a final decision. Potential outcomes include player suspensions, financial penalties, or further disciplinary measures against the federation once the committee reviews the evidence and finalises its verdict on the tournament's post-match controversies.