FIFA has launched formal disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following the nation's conduct during the World Cup, including violent altercations after their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium in July.

The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last week to review the incidents that erupted after the final whistle, which involved multiple Argentina players and backroom staff in confrontations with Spain players.

Players and officials under investigation

On the prosecutor's recommendation, FIFA will investigate defenders Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes — facing two and three counts respectively — and assistant coach Roberto Ayala on one count, all for alleged assault under article 14 of FIFA's disciplinary code.

Molina also faces a further count of alleged unsporting behaviour under article 14, a charge shared by Argentina teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi.

Under FIFA's rules, unsporting conduct carries a minimum one-match suspension, while an assault conviction leads to a ban of at least three matches.

AFA faces wider charges

The Argentine Football Association faces its own set of disciplinary proceedings across multiple matches during the tournament. The charges include using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations (article 13), team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching match order and security (article 17).

The security-related charges encompass discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, inappropriate messaging from players and spectators, and spectators throwing objects onto the pitch.

Among the incidents under scrutiny is the decision by Argentina players to display a banner after their semi-final victory over England. The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — "The Falklands are Argentine" — in support of Argentina's territorial claim over the Falkland Islands.