FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Argentina for the team's player actions during a contentious FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in Qatar on Friday. The soccer governing body cited 'order and security at matches' in their disciplinary code for charging the Argentina soccer federation.
Argentina substitutes and coaches encroached on the field as the game turned confrontational in the late stages as the Dutch scored two late goals to force extra time. There were more heated exchanges on the field after Argentina won the penalty shootout following the 2-2 draw.
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 franc 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.
Argentina faces Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.
Argentina have won the most penalty shoot-outs of any side in World Cup history (five out of six), while only Spain have lost more than the Netherlands (one win from four).
Speaking after the game, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi criticised Spanish official Lahoz over his handling of the contest.
"I don't want to talk about the referee, because you can get a suspension, but people saw what happened," he said.
"FIFA have to look at that, they can't put in a referee who isn't up to the job at this stage."
Defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna were among the players booked and will now serve a suspension in Tuesday's semi-final against Brazil's conquerors Croatia.
(With Agency inputs)
