FIFA to probe Argentina over World Cup final ill-discipline, Malvinas banner

FIFA has launched an investigation into Argentina players and staff following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The probe centers on the players' and coach's behavior after the game, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain after extra time. Argentina's Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Leandro Paredes, and coach Roberto Ayala are among those accused, along with Spain's Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known as Gavi.

Paredes faces three counts of alleged offenses, while Ayala is a member of coach Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff. FIFA has charged them with offenses ranging from assault to unsporting behavior. The investigation will follow FIFA's Disciplinary Code, giving the accused the chance to respond before a decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

Tensions erupted on the pitch immediately after the final whistle, as Spain began celebrating their second World Cup title. Spain had been reduced to 10 men due to Enzo Fernández's red card in stoppage time. Spain won the match in the 106th minute through Ferran Torres. FIFA will also examine an incident at Argentina's 2-1 semi-final win over England, where players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine).

This investigation will consider potential breaches of FIFA's rules on non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches.