AFA Explodes Over World Cup Claims, Threatens Legal War Against Misinformation

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly preparing to take legal action over what it describes as a coordinated misinformation campaign aimed at the national team and its players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Ireporter Online, the federation is considering filing defamation lawsuits against individuals, media organisations and social media accounts accused of spreading false allegations, manipulated or unverified images, and baseless accusations throughout the tournament.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed that the AFA has instructed its legal team to gather evidence, including social media posts and other materials, as it prepares to pursue legal remedies. He noted that the federation intends to target not only major media platforms but also accounts on X, Instagram and other digital channels believed to have contributed to the alleged misinformation campaign.

The planned legal action follows the wave of criticism directed at Argentina after their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Argentina had reached a second consecutive World Cup final after defeating England in the semi-finals but ended the championship match with 10 players following the dismissal of Enzo Fernández. Spain eventually secured victory through Ferran Torres’ decisive extra-time goal.

During the tournament, Argentina found itself at the centre of several controversies, with conspiracy theories circulating online alleging that FIFA officials favoured Lionel Messi and the defending champions.

The claims gained momentum after Messi avoided a booking for a challenge against Algeria in Argentina’s opening Group J fixture. Following Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, striker Mostafa Ziko alleged that the competition had been manipulated, while Egypt coach Hossam Hassan suggested that Argentina and Messi were being kept in the tournament for commercial reasons.

However, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, rejected the allegations and defended the officiating decisions made during the competition.

The controversy deepened after Argentina’s players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” following their semi-final victory over England, reigniting debate over the Falkland Islands dispute. FIFA has since confirmed that it is investigating the incident, although no disciplinary action has been announced.

The World Cup final also witnessed heated exchanges, including an altercation involving Leandro Paredes and Spain midfielder Gavi, which sparked further criticism of Argentina’s conduct.

According to reports, the backlash extended beyond the football pitch, with some Argentines living in countries such as Brazil, Spain and Germany claiming they faced harassment after the final. A widely circulated video allegedly showed a man wearing an Argentina jersey being assaulted at Madrid’s Sol metro station, although Spanish authorities said no formal complaint had been lodged and could not verify when the incident occurred.