FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina following post-match altercations after the country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA...
NEW JERSEY — FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina following post-match altercations after the country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Football’s governing body confirmed that its disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the incidents that occurred after the final whistle. The investigation could lead to suspensions for players or coaching staff found responsible, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) could also face financial penalties.
The clashes broke out as Spain’s players celebrated winning the World Cup, with members of Argentina’s squad and coaching staff becoming involved in confrontations on the pitch.
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Players reported to have been involved include Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also seen during the altercation.
According to reports, the incident began when Spain midfielder Rodri, who had been substituted during extra time, ran onto the pitch to celebrate with teammates. As he passed Molina, the Argentina defender appeared to strike Rodri on the arm or stomach, triggering a confrontation between players from both teams.
Spain defender Eric Garcia then intervened, before Paredes became involved. Television footage appeared to show Paredes making contact with Garcia’s throat during the confrontation.
Spain midfielder Gavi, who did not feature in the match, attempted to separate the players but was knocked to the ground during the incident involving Almada. Paredes was also seen pushing Gavi, while Ayala appeared to confront Garcia and Dani Olmo as tensions escalated.
During the match, Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second yellow card. FIFA has confirmed that Paredes was not sent off despite initial reports on its commentator information system, which was later corrected.
Speaking after the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the defeat and called for dignity in both victory and defeat.
“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,” Scaloni said.
BBC pundits criticised the conduct of some Argentina players after the final whistle.
Former England captain Alan Shearer said: “There is no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, the appointed prosecutor will examine whether the actions of players and officials breached rules relating to offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play. The investigation may consider whether their conduct violated standards of decent behaviour or brought football and FIFA into disrepute.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has the authority to impose global suspensions depending on the outcome of the investigation. While lengthy bans similar to previous high-profile cases are considered unlikely, sanctions ranging from fines to match suspensions remain possible.
The investigation comes while FIFA is already considering possible disciplinary action against Argentina over the political banner displayed by players after their World Cup semi-final victory over England. Several players celebrated while holding a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), prompting the British government to call for FIFA to investigate.
Argentina has previously faced disciplinary action over player behaviour. Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, the AFA was fined for offensive behaviour during post-match celebrations, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez later received a two-match suspension in 2024 for separate incidents involving offensive conduct during international fixtures.
FIFA has not announced a timeline for completing the investigation into the World Cup final incidents. Once the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor concludes the inquiry, the governing body’s disciplinary committee will determine whether charges should be brought against any players, officials or the Argentine Football Association.
