FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Argentina for its players’ actions during a contentious World Cup quarterfinal match against the Netherlands.
The soccer governing body cited “order and security at matches” in its disciplinary code for charging the Argentina soccer federation.
Lionel Messi was among a World Cup record 17 players or coaching staff members who were shown yellow cards during or after the game.
Team misconduct charges are routine for collecting five yellow cards in a game and disciplinary cases were opened against both Argentina and the Netherlands, FIFA said.
Both federations could get the same 15,000 Swiss francs fine ($16,000) that FIFA’s disciplinary panel imposed twice on Saudi Arabia at this World Cup for team misconduct.
Argentina will likely get a heavier fine for the separate disorder charge.
FIFA gave no timetable for verdicts, which have typically not been published before a team’s next game at this World Cup.
