Three Argentina players and a member of the coaching staff are under FIFA investigation following a controversial Falklands banner and an alleged 'assault' during the final against Spain.

FIFA has formally launched disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), a number of senior players and one coaching staff member after a series of contentious incidents. The inquiry is focused on a violent post-match brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, as well as the display of a politically loaded banner relating to the Falkland Islands.

Disciplinary charges after final chaos

The aftermath of Argentina's dramatic World Cup final loss to Spain has intensified, with FIFA's disciplinary body confirming a broad investigation into the conduct of the Albiceleste. Proceedings have been opened against Leandro Paredes on three counts of assault, while defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of the same offence. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged with one count of assault, underlining a major crackdown on the runners-up's behaviour during the tournament's biggest match.

Spain eventually secured the World Cup crown thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Ferran Torres, but the game was quickly overshadowed by chaotic scenes at the final whistle. In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that Molina is also being investigated for one count of unsporting behaviour - a charge that also applies to team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi. These disciplinary cases arise from a heated post-match brawl in which Molina appeared to strike Rodri, while Paredes was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground.

Political controversy and the Falklands banner

Apart from the physical clashes on the pitch, the AFA is also under scrutiny for the team's conduct after their win over England earlier in the tournament. During celebrations in Atlanta, the squad displayed a banner carrying the slogan “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates as ‘the Malvinas are Argentine’. The banner, held by Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Otamendi, was in direct breach of FIFA's long-standing rules on displaying political messages during sanctioned international matches.

Because of this, FIFA is investigating the AFA for “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” along with team misconduct and matters concerning “order and security at matches.” The governing body said these charges are linked to the display of “inappropriate messages” by the team and supporters, as well as the “throwing of objects by spectators” during several of Argentina's matches across the tournament. The IFAB continues to enforce a strict position banning political flags or symbols inside stadiums.

Specific allegations of assault and misconduct

The probe into the clashes in the final is being overseen by a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor. Tempers flared after Enzo Fernandez was sent off, which led to the confrontation between the two teams at full-time. FIFA's statement stressed the seriousness of the alleged breaches, adding that the players' conduct was being examined under the code of ethics.

The banner episode has also triggered a diplomatic discussion beyond football. In spite of FIFA's clear regulations, the White House defended the players' right to free expression. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup task force, said the players had the “ability” to express themselves and referred to the United States' First Amendment protections on free speech.

Argentina face backlash for World Cup ceremony snub

Argentina were also widely criticised during the post-match presentation ceremony. As Spain came together to lift the trophy, the Argentine players turned towards their own supporters and deliberately showed their backs to the Spanish team, in what was seen as a visible act of disrespect during the celebrations.