Ban Argentina from FIFA World Cups Permanently for Systematic Unfair Play
The Issue
To: FIFA and the FIFA Disciplinary Committee
We, the global football community, demand the permanent ban of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Argentina National Football Team from all future FIFA World Cups.
Football is built on the principles of integrity, respect, and Fair Play. However, for decades, the Argentine national team has systematically used unsportsmanlike "dark arts," cheating, and manipulation as a tactical tool to win, completely destroying the spirit of the game.
The Facts of Argentine "Cheating" and Misconduct in World Cup History:
The "Hand of God" (1986): One of the most infamous moments in sports history, where Diego Maradona deliberately scored a goal with his hand against England. Instead of showing sportsmanship, this blatant cheating was celebrated and turned into a national pride.
The "Holy Water" / Spiked Bottle Scandal (1990): During the Round of 16 match against Brazil, Argentine staff gave Brazilian player Branco a water bottle spiked with tranquilizers (Roipnol). This dangerous and illegal act was later admitted and joked about by Argentine players and staff.
The 1978 World Cup Controversy: Strong allegations of political interference and match-fixing regarding Argentina's highly suspicious 6-0 win over Peru, which allowed the host nation to advance to the final under the pressure of their military dictatorship.
Aggression and Mocking of Opponents (2022): Unacceptable, aggressive behavior in Qatar, specifically in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands. Argentine players kicked the ball directly into the Dutch bench, physically intimidated opponents, and openly mocked them after the penalty shootout. In addition, an unprecedented and highly controversial number of soft penalties were awarded to Argentina throughout the tournament.
Systemic Simulation and Referee Intimidation (2026): Throughout the current 2026 tournament, the team continues to rely on extreme simulation (diving), tactical fouls, and aggressive collective crowding of referees to manipulate VAR and intimidate match officials in every single knockout game.
This continuous pattern of behavior compromises the integrity of the sport. It sends a message to young athletes worldwide that cheating and intimidation are acceptable paths to victory.
We demand an immediate, thorough investigation by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and the ultimate sanction: a permanent ban of Argentina from the FIFA World Cups to protect the clean, honest future of football.
1,142
The Issue
To: FIFA and the FIFA Disciplinary Committee
We, the global football community, demand the permanent ban of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Argentina National Football Team from all future FIFA World Cups.
Football is built on the principles of integrity, respect, and Fair Play. However, for decades, the Argentine national team has systematically used unsportsmanlike "dark arts," cheating, and manipulation as a tactical tool to win, completely destroying the spirit of the game.
The Facts of Argentine "Cheating" and Misconduct in World Cup History:
The "Hand of God" (1986): One of the most infamous moments in sports history, where Diego Maradona deliberately scored a goal with his hand against England. Instead of showing sportsmanship, this blatant cheating was celebrated and turned into a national pride.
The "Holy Water" / Spiked Bottle Scandal (1990): During the Round of 16 match against Brazil, Argentine staff gave Brazilian player Branco a water bottle spiked with tranquilizers (Roipnol). This dangerous and illegal act was later admitted and joked about by Argentine players and staff.
The 1978 World Cup Controversy: Strong allegations of political interference and match-fixing regarding Argentina's highly suspicious 6-0 win over Peru, which allowed the host nation to advance to the final under the pressure of their military dictatorship.
Aggression and Mocking of Opponents (2022): Unacceptable, aggressive behavior in Qatar, specifically in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands. Argentine players kicked the ball directly into the Dutch bench, physically intimidated opponents, and openly mocked them after the penalty shootout. In addition, an unprecedented and highly controversial number of soft penalties were awarded to Argentina throughout the tournament.
Systemic Simulation and Referee Intimidation (2026): Throughout the current 2026 tournament, the team continues to rely on extreme simulation (diving), tactical fouls, and aggressive collective crowding of referees to manipulate VAR and intimidate match officials in every single knockout game.
This continuous pattern of behavior compromises the integrity of the sport. It sends a message to young athletes worldwide that cheating and intimidation are acceptable paths to victory.
We demand an immediate, thorough investigation by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and the ultimate sanction: a permanent ban of Argentina from the FIFA World Cups to protect the clean, honest future of football.
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Petition created on 15 July 2026