|


|
|
07/29/26 01:23:00
Printable Page
07/29 12:27 CDT FIFA hits Argentina with World Cup charges for scuffle and
'Malvinas' banner
FIFA hits Argentina with World Cup charges for scuffle and 'Malvinas' banner
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) --- FIFA lodged disciplinary charges against two
Argentina players Wednesday for striking Spain opponents moments after the
World Cup final and charged Argentina's soccer federation for players showing a
political banner about the Falkland Islands after beating England in the
semifinals.
A list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina also include
"discriminatory chants and gestures" by fans, alleged assault by an assistant
coach after the final and "throwing of objects by spectators in relation to
several matches" at the World Cup.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault in the
post-game clashes after Spain's 1-0 win on July 19, defender Nahuel Molina
faces two charges and coach Roberto Ayala one.
Molina and Thiago Almada also are charged with unsporting behavior, with the
same charge leveled against Spain player Gavi.
Argentina's players carried a banner with the slogan "Las Malvinas son
Argentinas" --- "The Malvinas are Argentine" --- after beating England 2-1 in
the semifinals.
Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas. They were invaded
in 1982 under orders from Argentina's then-military dictatorship, triggering a
10-week war won by Britain.
British government officials urged FIFA to investigate, and the soccer body
said Wednesday the formal charge was "using a sports event for demonstrations
of a non-sporting nature."
FIFA said all the people charged "have now been provided with the opportunity
to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the
FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course."
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage
|