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FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 over several disciplinary violations during the 2026 World Cup, including a banner displayed after Argentina's semifinal against England.
The governing body cited breaches involving the use of a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, discrimination, misconduct and violations of security regulations. The decisions followed disciplinary proceedings over incidents during the tournament and remain subject to appeal where applicable, it said.
After Argentina beat England 2-1 in the semifinal, several Argentina players held up a banner that read, "The Falklands are Argentine." The islands are known as the Malvinas in Argentina.
The Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, have been disputed between Argentina and the UK for decades. Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, prompting Britain to send a military task force to retake them in a war that lasted 74 days.
Of the $321,000 fine, $100,000 must be invested in an anti-discrimination plan, while another $100,000 was suspended subject to a probationary period. FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with stadium capacity limited to 50%, although one match of that sanction was suspended.
The AFA fine also covered discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, as well as team misconduct during the tournament.
FIFA separately suspended three Argentina players and a team official over a confrontation with Spain after the final.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, the heaviest punishment. Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, while midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
Argentina team official Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Spain midfielder Gavi received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine over his involvement in the confrontation.
The confrontation followed Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground as the confrontation escalated on the field.
The AFA said it would appeal the suspensions and fines. The association said it would request the grounds for rulings subject to review before filing appeals with FIFA's Appeals Committee.
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