The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a fine of $321 thousand on the Argentine Football Association. The sanctions were issued due to discriminatory remarks and gestures by fans, as well as political demonstrations that occurred during the 2026 World Cup.
Additionally, five players from the Argentine national team received individual fines and suspensions for participating in fights that took place after the final match against Spain.
Of the total fine amount of $100 thousand, the funds must be directed towards implementing a program to combat discrimination. Argentina is also required to hold two subsequent home matches with stadium attendance limited to no more than 50%, although the fulfillment of one of these conditions is under probation.
Sanctions After the Final
The individual penalties are related to events following the final, which ended with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0. Leandro Paredes received a ten-match ban and a $90 thousand fine for grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck, pushing Gavi to the ground, and allegedly hitting him in the face.
Nual Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined the same amount. Thiago Almada and Gavi were each suspended for one match and fined $30 thousand for participating in post-match altercations.
The Argentine coaching staff was also affected: Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30 thousand fine for punching Dani Olmo in the face.
Demonstration in the Semi-Final
Another reason for the sanctions was a demonstration that took place after the semi-final match against England. Several Argentine footballers held a placard stating Argentina's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by the UK as its overseas territory. FIFA deemed this act as using a sporting event to display unsportsmanlike behavior.
The Argentine Football Association announced its intention to appeal the imposed sanctions and plans to file a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport if unsuccessful.
It should be noted that previously, three football confederations demanded an independent investigation into the FIFA Forward Enterprise project and changes in FIFA's governance. This conflict arose amid attempts to attract private capital to the organization's commercial activities, including tournament organization.