FIFA Imposes Sanctions on Argentina Over World Cup Disciplinary Violations

On August 21, 2026, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed sanctions on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and members of Argentina’s delegation following disciplinary incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These included a post-match confrontation between Argentina and Spain in the final on July 19, 2026.

The present sanctions follow disciplinary proceedings that FIFA initiated on July 29, 2026, against the AFA and several members of the Argentine delegation.

FIFA fined the AFA USD 321,000 for breaching Articles 13(2)(c), 14(5), 15, and 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). These provisions concern the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches. The violations included discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, as well as other incidents during the tournament.

The consequences extend beyond the financial penalty. For the breach of Article 15, FIFA has ordered the AFA to play its next two home matches at 50% spectator capacity. FIFA further directed that USD 100,000 of the USD 321,000 fine be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. FIFA has, however, suspended one of the two restricted-attendance matches and USD 100,000 of the fine, subject to a probationary period.

FIFA also imposed individual sanctions arising from incidents during the World Cup final. Leandro Paredes was suspended for 10 matches and fined USD 90,000, while Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a USD 90,000 fine. Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined USD 30,000, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a USD 30,000 fine. Spain’s Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) was also suspended for one match and fined USD 30,000.

The AFA has challenged the severity of the sanctions, particularly the bans imposed on Paredes and Molina. The association intends to seek a reduction of the suspensions and may use a frame-by-frame review of video footage to support its appeal.

Under Articles 69(2)(a) and 69(3) of the FDC, the match suspensions carry over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams. The parties have 10 days to request a reasoned decision, after which the decisions remain subject to appeal under Article 61. The AFA intends to appeal before the FIFA Appeals Committee and has reserved the possibility of subsequently approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

On August 27, FIFA approved the AFA’s request that the relevant suspensions may be served during “A” international friendlies and/or official matches, whichever occurs first. The dispute therefore remains at the FIFA appellate stage and has not yet proceeded to CAS.