The AFA is challenging FIFA’s heavy sanctions and preparing its appeal, with CAS remaining a possible final avenue.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is taking the necessary steps to challenge the sanctions imposed by FIFA following the 2026 World Cup, with a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS/TAS) remaining a final option.
The AFA has made it clear through its official statements that its next step is not an immediate appeal to CAS. The Association’s legal department is awaiting the full reasoning behind the disciplinary decisions before filing the relevant appeals with the FIFA Appeal Committee. Once that process has been completed, the possibility of taking the case to CAS as a final instance will remain open, if necessary.
The sanctions stem from a series of cases related to Argentina’s participation in the World Cup. FIFA imposed fines totalling $321,000 on the AFA for violations involving, among other matters, discriminatory and racist behaviour by supporters, issues concerning order and security, and other breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. A 50% restriction on spectator attendance at home matches was also imposed, with part of the sanctions suspended.
Heavy penalties were also handed down following the incidents after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Leandro Paredes received a ten-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined the same amount. Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, while Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
There was, however, a positive development for the AFA. The Association asked FIFA to allow the players’ suspensions to be served either in “A” international friendlies or in official matches, depending on which fixture takes place first. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee accepted the request.
The case therefore remains open. The AFA will first pursue the available procedures within FIFA and, depending on the outcome of the appeal, will decide whether to take the matter to CAS. At this stage, the Argentine Football Association itself describes the Court of Arbitration for Sport as a possible final avenue rather than confirming that an appeal has already been filed.