FIFA hits Argentina with World Cup charges for scuffle and "Malvinas" banner
CBS News • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA has filed disciplinary charges against two Argentina players, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, for assaulting Spanish opponents shortly after the World Cup final, with coach Roberto Ayala also charged.
- Argentina's soccer federation faces charges for players displaying a political banner referencing the Falkland Islands ("Las Malvinas son Argentinas") after their semifinal win over England, which FIFA deemed a non-sporting demonstration.
- Additional charges against Argentina include discriminatory chants by fans, alleged assault by an assistant coach, and throwing objects by spectators during the World Cup.
- Both Argentina and Spain players, including Molina, Thiago Almada, and Spain's Gavi, face unsporting behavior charges related to incidents during the tournament.
- FIFA has given all charged parties the opportunity to respond before the Disciplinary Committee issues a final decision.
