FOOTBALL – Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina’s football association (AFA) and its players for several alleged breaches at the World Cup, including the holding up of a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
Fifa said using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature was a potential breach of the disciplinary code.
In 2014, Fifa had fined Argentina £20,000 ($26,560) for a similar banner held up by players before a friendly with Slovenia.
Other alleged breaches at the World Cup include discriminatory chants and gestures, late kickoffs, security protocol failures, inappropriate team and spectator messages, and objects thrown by fans across several matches during the tournament.
Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings were also opened against several players after the final in New Jersey where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra-time.
A brief brawl erupted at the final whistle when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain’s Gavi to the ground as the European champions’ substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.
Paredes faces three assault counts while Nahuel Molina faces two counts.
Molina, Thiago Almada and Argentine official Roberto Ayala as well as Spain’s Gavi face one count each for unsporting behaviour.