FIFA announced the opening of a disciplinary procedure against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several members of the Argentina national team and the Spanish midfielder Gavi, following the incidents that occurred at the end of the 2026 World Cup final played at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey.
The investigation covers both players and members of the Argentine coaching staff, in addition to analyzing possible regulatory breaches by the South American federation during the tournament.
Which players are investigated by FIFA?
According to the governing body of world football, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission, based on the report presented by the designated ethics instructor, initiated a procedure against the Argentines Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and the member of the coaching staff Roberto Fabián Ayala.
Likewise, the file also includes the Spanish footballer Pablo Martín Páez Gavira “Gavi”, who is being investigated for his participation in the events recorded after the final whistle.
The possible breaches that FIFA analyzes against the AFA
In the case of the AFA, the investigation includes alleged violations of different articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Among them is article 13, related to “using a sporting event to carry out demonstrations of a nature other than sports”; article 14, referring to “inappropriate conduct”; article 15, for “discrimination and racist attacks”; and article 17, linked to order and security in matches.
Regarding this last section, the investigation also considers "discriminatory chants and gestures, delays in the start of matches, non-compliance with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators in several matches of the Argentine team."
The charges that each member of Argentina faces
FIFA detailed that Nahuel Molina is being investigated for two alleged charges of assault, one completed and the other attempted, in addition to one charge of unsportsmanlike conduct.
For his part, Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault, while Thiago Almada is investigated for an alleged act of unsportsmanlike conduct.
The procedure also covers Roberto Fabián Ayala, Lionel Scaloni's technical assistant, who must answer for a charge related to assault.
Why are they investigating Gavi?
In the case of the Barcelona and Spain national team midfielder, FIFA opened a disciplinary procedure for an alleged case of unsportsmanlike conduct derived from the incidents recorded after the final.
So far, the organization has not reported possible sanctions or a deadline to issue a resolution. The disciplinary process is in the investigation stage and the FIFA Disciplinary Commission will be in charge of determining whether there are responsibilities and the corresponding measures in accordance with the current regulations.
