Argentina to appeal FIFA sanctions and keep CAS option open

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has formally announced plans to challenge the heavy sanctions imposed by FIFA after disciplinary incidents at the 2026 World Cup, including suspensions for several players and a $321,000 fine for the organisation.

In an official statement on Friday, AFA said its legal department would ask FIFA to provide the reasoning behind the decisions before launching an appeal.

“In light of the notifications we have received, and in defence of the rights of the Association and its players, AFA’s Legal Department will request from FIFA, at the appropriate time and in the proper manner, the grounds for the decisions that are subject to review,” the statement said.

The association added that the request would be made ahead of appeals to FIFA’s Appeal Committee. It also confirmed that a further challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) remained possible if the initial appeals failed.

“This will pave the way for appeals before the Appeal Committee of football’s world governing body, while leaving open the possibility of resorting in the future to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as a last resort,” AFA said.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the punishments after incidents during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which Spain won 1-0, as well as other events involving Argentina’s team during the tournament.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension, while team-mate Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches. Forward Thiago Almada was suspended for one game.

Roberto Ayala, a member of the Argentina coaching staff, was given a three-match ban. Spain international Gavi was also suspended for one match following clashes that took place after the World Cup final.

The players and staff member concerned were all given fines of varying amounts in addition to their bans.

FIFA also fined AFA $321,000 for several violations recorded during the tournament. The offences included incidents relating to crowd behaviour and discrimination, as well as the display of a political banner connected to the Falkland Islands.

Argentina must also play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to no more than 50% of the stadium capacity.

The sanctions relate both to the final and to incidents in other matches involving Argentina. AFA’s decision to seek the grounds for the rulings is the first formal step in its attempt to have the penalties reviewed.

The association published its statement alongside a Spanish-language social media post confirming its position on the sanctions and its intention to defend the rights of both AFA and Argentina’s footballers. The next stage will be an appeal to FIFA’s Appeal Committee, with CAS available as the final avenue of challenge.