The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has taken decisive action following the chaos that marred the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has officially opened investigation proceedings after receiving a comprehensive report from the ethics and disciplinary prosecutors tasked with investigating the post-match incident.
This investigation implicates several key figures from both national teams. On the Argentine side, names such as Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are targets of the probe. Meanwhile, on the Spanish side, talented young midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, commonly known as Gavi, has also been called to account for his behavior.
In addition to targeting individuals, FIFA is also focusing on the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The Argentine football federation is accused of systematic violations of several articles in the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The AFA allegedly violated rules related to non-sporting demonstrations, inappropriate behavior, discriminatory and racial acts, as well as negligence in maintaining order and security of the match.
Indications of violations by the Argentine side are reinforced by a body of evidence during the tournament, including racist chants from fans, delayed kick-offs, disregard for security protocols, and incidents of throwing objects onto the pitch.
The charges against the players are divided into two main categories: acts of physical aggression and unsporting behavior. Leandro Paredes faces the heaviest potential sanctions with three charges of aggression. Nahuel Molina follows with two charges of aggression and one charge of unsporting behavior, while Roberto Ayala faces one charge of aggression.
On the other hand, lesser charges of unsporting behavior have been brought against Thiago Almada and Gavi. FIFA is now giving all parties involved in the case the opportunity to submit official defense arguments before the final sanction decision is made.
