Fifa has initiated an investigation into incidents that occurred after the World Cup final, confirming that a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor has been appointed to assess the events at MetLife Stadium. This inquiry could lead to suspensions for any players or coaches involved in the altercations that followed the final whistle, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also face a fine.
The investigation focuses on the scenes that unfolded after Argentina’s defeat on Sunday, when members of the team and backroom staff were involved in confrontations with Spain players as they celebrated their victory. Players such as Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, appeared to be involved in the fracas.
Post-match altercations
As the final whistle blew in New Jersey, some Argentina players, including Lionel Messi, slumped to the turf, while others stood motionless as Spain’s players celebrated. The trouble reportedly began when Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, ran past Molina, and the Argentina defender appeared to punch Rodri on the arm or stomach.
Rodri confronted Molina, who then responded aggressively. Spain’s Eric Garcia approached to support his teammate, at which point Paredes became involved, jabbing Garcia in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi attempted to intervene but was pushed to the ground by Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor by placing his hand in the Spaniard’s face. Additionally, Ayala appeared to hold Garcia around the throat and then seemed to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Initial reports suggested that Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic for pushing Garcia. However, Fifa later confirmed that Paredes’ red card was removed from the record, and no disciplinary action was taken at that time. Fifa sources have indicated that there is no evidence of such a disciplinary measure being made by the referee. Paredes had received a yellow card earlier in the match after being brought off the bench at half-time. The only Argentina player officially dismissed during the match was Enzo Fernandez, who received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni attempted to calm the situation and later commented on the incidents in his post-match interview. He stated, “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
Potential disciplinary actions
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has various options available. By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, Fifa will examine offenses beyond just potential violent conduct. Stronger punishments are possible if players or the national association are charged and found guilty. Article 13 of the disciplinary code addresses offensive behaviour and fair play principles, and the actions of the players and staff could be deemed as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute.”
The disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will consider both aggravating and mitigating circumstances and has the authority to enforce a global ban. This clause was previously used to charge former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who was banned from all football-related activities for three years in 2023. Uruguay striker Luis Suarez also received a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting an opponent during the 2014 World Cup.
While it is considered unlikely that Almada, Ayala, Molina, and Paredes will face bans of such length, the AFA has faced issues with player behaviour in recent years. Following the 2022 World Cup final, Argentina faced charges related to “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials.” Despite winning against France on penalties, the team was criticised for its celebrations, leading to a fine of £18,300 for the AFA, though no individual player was sanctioned at that time.
However, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was banned for two games in 2024 for ‘offensive behaviour’ during World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, Fifa had already begun the process of potential disciplinary action against Argentina for their players displaying a banner supporting their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands after their 2-1 semi-final victory against England. The AFA is likely to face a fine for this incident, similar to a £20,000 fine in 2014 for a banner with the same message. Possible bans could be issued to players who held the banner, including Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, former Spurs player Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez.
There is no specific timeline for Fifa’s prosecutor to conclude the investigation into Argentina’s conduct.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”