FIFA hit Argentina with massive fine and sporting sanction after Falklands taunt

The Argentine FA has been handed a hefty sanction after its players were seen celebrating World Cup victory over England with a banner relating to the Falklands, while various players and staff have been hit with hefty fines for their involvement in the unsavoury scenes which followed the World Cup final.Argentina knocked England out in the tournament semi-finals, and the build-up to the match was dominated by discussions of the Falklands War.After investigating the incident, FIFA has imposed heavy sanctions on the Argentine FA, imposing a fine of $321,000 (£235,000), $100,000 of which must be invested in “a plan to combat discrimination”.Ex-Spurs captain Cristian Romero and Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez were among those to celebrate with the Malvinas bannerAFP/GettyThe FIFA release cites the section of its legal framework which relates to “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” and discrimination and racist abuse.Furthermore, FIFA state Argentina’s next two home matches must be played at 50 per cent capacity.The match was followed by deeply unsavoury scenes as a number of players came to blows on the pitch.Leandro Paredes has been hit with a substantial suspension for throwing Gavi to the ground post-matchAFP/GettyFIFA launched an investigation into the fracas shortly thereafter, and their findings have now been confirmed, with various fines and suspensions handed out.Paredes has been hit with a fine of $90,000 (£65,900) and a ten-match suspension. Molina, meanwhile, has been fined $30,000 (£21,900) and suspended for seven matches.Thiago Almada takes the lightest sanction, with a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine imposed.Gavi is the only Spaniard sanctioned as he receives a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine, which will see him ruled out of September’s Nations League meeting with England at Wembley.