FIFA charges Argentina over final melee, Falklands banner
What's next: players accused of assault could face at least three-match bans, while Argentina's federation also faces sanctions over chants, security lapses and political messaging.
FIFA opened disciplinary cases against Argentina after the team's World Cup final loss to Spain and over conduct during the tournament, including a Falklands banner displayed after the semifinal against England. Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three assault counts, defender Nahuel Molina faces two assault counts and one unsporting behavior count, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one assault count. Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi were also charged with unsporting behavior after the postmatch clashes at New York New Jersey Stadium. Separately, the Argentine Football Association is under investigation for discriminatory chants and gestures, late kickoffs, security and match-protocol failures, inappropriate messages and objects thrown by spectators.