Leandro Paredes Faces 3 Assault Charges After World Cup Final Chaos; FIFA Turns Up Heat on Argentina Over ‘Las Malvinas’ Banner

The fallout from Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is far from over.

Days after Argentina lost the final to Spain, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the squad following a series of controversial incidents during the tournament.

The most serious development concerns midfielder Leandro Paredes, who faces three counts of assault linked to the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Defender Nahuel Molina has also been charged with two counts of assault, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one assault charge. Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are facing separate charges for unsporting behaviour.

However, these are FIFA disciplinary charges, not criminal proceedings in a court. The players and other parties involved have been given an opportunity to respond before FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee makes a final decision.

What Happened Between Argentina and Spain?

The controversy erupted immediately after the World Cup final at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.

ALSO READ : ‘I’m Going to Play Against Messi… I Can Retire’: Switzerland Star’s Viral Remark Adds Extra Buzz to Argentina World Cup Clash

Spain had defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. But celebrations quickly turned ugly as confrontations broke out between players from both teams.

Television footage showed Paredes involved in a physical confrontation with Spain players. He appeared to grab Eric García around the neck area before becoming involved in another confrontation involving Gavi.

Molina was also involved in the post-match melee, with footage showing him confronting Spain captain Rodri.

What should have been the closing scene of a dramatic World Cup final instead became an ugly post-match spectacle, prompting FIFA to appoint a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents.

Why Does Paredes Face Three Assault Charges?

Paredes is facing three separate counts of assault under FIFA’s disciplinary process.

The charges stem from different actions during the confrontation after the final. The midfielder was one of the most visible Argentina players involved in the disorder as tensions boiled over following Spain’s victory.

The severity of the potential punishment will depend on FIFA’s final assessment of the incidents and the applicable disciplinary provisions.

Earlier reports had suggested that players involved could face suspensions, but the latest proceedings provide a clearer picture of the charges now being considered by FIFA.

Importantly, FIFA has not yet issued a final punishment. The disciplinary process remains ongoing.

Argentina Also Faces Trouble Over ‘Las Malvinas’ Banner

The post-final brawl is only one part of Argentina’s disciplinary problems.

The AFA is also facing proceedings over a politically charged banner displayed following Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England.

During the celebrations, Argentine players were seen holding a banner carrying the words “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, meaning “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The message refers to the long-running territorial dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

FIFA’s rules prohibit the use of sporting events for political demonstrations, making the banner a potential disciplinary violation. The governing body had already been examining the incident before formally opening proceedings.

The banner was particularly controversial because it appeared after Argentina had defeated England, reigniting memories of the 1982 Falklands War and adding a political dimension to what was otherwise a major football celebration.

FIFA’s Case Against Argentina Goes Beyond the Banner

The disciplinary case involving the Argentine Football Association is broader than the Malvinas message.

FIFA is examining several alleged breaches during Argentina’s World Cup campaign, including team misconduct, discriminatory behaviour, inappropriate messages, security issues, late kick-offs and incidents involving spectators.

The governing body has cited several provisions of its disciplinary regulations, including rules relating to political demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches.

That means Argentina could face sanctions on multiple fronts once FIFA completes its investigation.

Paredes Had Already Been at the Centre of the Final Controversy

Paredes’ involvement in the post-match confrontation had already attracted significant attention immediately after the final.

At one stage, a red card appeared to have been issued to the Argentine midfielder following the incident involving Spain’s Eric García. FIFA later confirmed that no disciplinary action had been taken against Paredes at that moment, leaving the governing body to assess the episode through its subsequent investigation.

The new disciplinary proceedings therefore represent a much more serious development for the player.

Instead of the incident ending with the final whistle, Paredes could now face a significant international suspension depending on FIFA’s eventual ruling.

Argentina’s World Cup Ending Turns Bitter

Argentina entered the tournament as one of the world’s strongest football nations and one of the teams expected to challenge for the title.

Instead, their campaign ended with a narrow defeat to Spain, followed by scenes that have continued to dominate headlines.

The defeat itself was painful enough. The disciplinary controversy has now added another chapter to Argentina’s disappointing ending.

For a team that had hoped to leave the tournament with another memorable trophy moment, the final images have instead involved confrontations, disciplinary investigations and political controversy.

What Happens Next?

FIFA’s disciplinary process is now underway, but there is no final verdict yet.

Paredes, Molina, Ayala, Almada, Gavi and the AFA have the opportunity to present their respective defences. FIFA’s independent disciplinary bodies will then determine whether sanctions are warranted and, if so, what penalties should be imposed.

The possible consequences could include match suspensions, fines or other disciplinary measures, depending on the findings.

For Paredes, the stakes are particularly high because of the three separate assault charges.

For Argentina, meanwhile, the case is even broader. FIFA is examining conduct both on and off the pitch, from the World Cup final brawl to the controversial ‘Las Malvinas’ banner and other alleged breaches.

The 2026 World Cup may have ended for Argentina on the pitch, but the consequences of what happened around it could continue for considerably longer.