FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following incidents during the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, which Argentina won against France on penalties. The proceedings relate to the display of a banner referencing the Falkland Islands and alleged misconduct by Argentine players during the match.
According to a FIFA spokesperson, the disciplinary committee is investigating the banner, which was shown by Argentine fans after the semi-final victory over Croatia. The banner read 'Las Malvinas son argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), a reference to the 1982 war between Argentina and the UK. The incident was reported by the Daily Mail and other outlets.
Additionally, FIFA is reviewing incidents involving Argentine players, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez's gestures during the trophy ceremony and defender Nicolás Otamendi's actions after the match. These incidents were widely criticized in the British press.
The AFA has not yet commented publicly. FIFA's disciplinary code allows for sanctions including fines or match bans if violations are proven. The case is ongoing, and no timeline for a decision has been announced.
