FIFA punishes Argentina for acts of discrimination and misconduct by fans

In a recent development, FIFA has taken significant actions by imposing a series of sanctions on the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) in response to incidents that occurred during three matches in 2023, all part of the World Cup qualification campaign for the 2026 tournament. These matches involved Argentina facing off against Brazil, Uruguay, and Ecuador.

The penalties handed down by FIFA include a substantial fine of approximately 75,000 euros, a considerable financial setback for the AFA. Additionally, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opted for a restriction on the stadium's capacity for Argentina's upcoming home fixture. Scheduled for September 4th against Chile, only 50% of the stadium's seating will be made available to spectators, indicating the seriousness of the disciplinary measures taken.

These sanctions were prompted by a series of incidents that marred Argentina's matches. During their victory over Ecuador on September 8th (1-0), and their subsequent defeat to Uruguay on November 17th (0-2), there were disruptions that led to match delays, reports of discrimination, and even instances of fans invading the pitch. A more recent and highly publicized incident occurred on November 22nd during the Brazil-Argentina match (0-1). The kickoff was significantly delayed due to violent clashes between Argentine fans and the Brazilian police, adding to the gravity of the situation and contributing to the increased fine imposed on the AFA.

Notably, it's important to recall that during the Brazil-Argentina match, Lionel Messi's team initially refused to start the game as a form of protest against the treatment of their fans by the authorities. However, FIFA determined that the "albiceleste" fans were responsible for "acts of misconduct inside and outside the stadium," ultimately holding them accountable for the disturbances. Surprisingly, Brazil managed to escape any punitive measures in this context.

These disciplinary actions by FIFA underscore the organization's commitment to maintaining the integrity and orderliness of international football matches, emphasizing the consequences that both fans and football federations may face when such incidents occur.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Top Countries

Around the web

Van de Ven compared to Messi after what is already the goal of the season

Micky van de Ven left everyone open-mouthed with his solo goal against FC Copenhagen. The English media can’t stop talking about one of the best Champions League goals ever, and Spurs manager Thomas Frank compared the Netherlands international to Lionel Messi.

Amorim responds to Ronaldo: He knows that everything he says has enormous impact

Rúben Amorim has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s statements. The forty-year-old forward had said he did not expect the Manchester United manager to perform miracles. We have made many mistakes in the past and we are trying to correct them.

After Haaland, the next Man City star finally rises: He is back!

On Wednesday night, Phil Foden stepped up for Manchester City. In recent weeks, it had looked like a one-man show at the English giants, with Erling Haaland carrying the lion’s share of the goal scoring. But in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, Foden let his feet do the talking once again.

Double boost for Slot ahead of the clash against Man City

Alexander Isak could possibly make his return for Liverpool in Sunday’s top match against Manchester City. In addition, coach Arne Slot is close to having goalkeeper Alisson back.

Shao Jiayi is the new head coach of the China national football team

Shao Jiayi is the new head coach of the China national football team, replacing Serbian coach Dejan Djurdjevic, who had held the position on an interim basis since June, the federation announced this Thursday in a statement published on its website.

FC Bayern is furious over an 'outrageous' police decision

Ahead of the clash with PSG, an order by the Paris police prefecture against the fans has sent FC Bayern into a rage. A court date was secured for Tuesday, though it will probably come too late.

Van Dijk confronts Rooney in the flash interview: it would be good if former players

After Liverpool’s 1–0 win over Real Madrid, Virgil van Dijk confronted Wayne Rooney live on Amazon Prime, responding to claims that he had eased off since signing his new contract. The Dutch captain defended his performances, urging former players to show more perspective, while Rooney stood by his comments but praised Liverpool’s strong reaction.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Winning the World Cup is not a dream

Cristiano Ronaldo gave an interview to journalist Piers Morgan, and the second part was released on Thursday afternoon.

Kroes over coffee with Ten Hag and the search for the new coach

Ajax must look for a new head coach after the dismissal of John Heitinga. Technical director Alex Kroes, who will remain in place for now, talks about that search.

Messi says he 'was not well' in Paris

Lionel Messi, who recently renewed his contract with Inter Miami, attended the American Business Forum in Miami and received the city’s golden key at an event that brought together political leaders, business executives and sports figures. Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, among others, were present at the ceremony.