Post-Match Altercations Under Scrutiny
Fifa has initiated an investigation into the events that occurred following the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The global governing body’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the incidents that took place after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium. This probe could lead to suspensions for any players or coaches found to be involved, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also face fines.
Following Spain’s victory, members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were reportedly involved in altercations with Spanish players during their celebrations. Individuals such as Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to be involved in the fracas. Initial reports from Fifa indicated that Paredes had been sent off. However, Paredes’ red card was later removed from the record, and Fifa confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken at that specific moment. Argentina had already seen one player, Enzo Fernandez, dismissed earlier in the match after receiving a second yellow card.
The trouble reportedly began when Rodri, a Manchester City midfielder who had been substituted in extra-time, ran past Molina. Molina appeared to strike Rodri on the arm or stomach, which seemed to ignite the confrontation. Rodri then confronted Molina, who responded aggressively. Garcia intervened to support his teammate, leading to Paredes becoming involved and reportedly jabbing Garcia in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi attempted to intervene but was forced to the ground by Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor, placing his hand in the Spaniard’s face. Ayala also appeared to hold Garcia around the throat and subsequently seemed to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
The scenes were widely criticised, with commentators describing the behaviour as unacceptable. Alan Shearer noted that Paredes “threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face,” stating there is “no place or space for that.” He added that while understanding the emotions of losing, Argentina’s reaction was “terrible.” Joe Hart echoed these sentiments, calling the behaviour “disgusting.” Despite the widespread condemnation, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who tried to calm the situation, appeared to downplay the incidents in his post-match interview, stating, “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.”
Potential Disciplinary Actions
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has several options available as it investigates the post-match events. By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, Fifa aims to examine offences in greater detail, potentially leading to stronger punishments if players or the national association are charged and found guilty. Article 13 of the disciplinary code addresses offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play. 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 global bans. Fifa has previously used this clause, for instance, to charge former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who was banned from all football-related activities for three years in 2023. Another notable example is Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who received a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. While it is considered unlikely that Almada, Ayala, Molina, and Paredes will face bans of such length, the possibility of sanctions remains.
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, their celebrations drew criticism. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, for example, made a lewd gesture with his Goalkeeper of the Tournament trophy and was later filmed mocking France star Kylian Mbappe. Argentina was fined at the time, with no individual player action taken. However, Martinez was subsequently banned for games in 2024 for ‘offensive behaviour’ during World Cup qualifiers. Similarly, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez apologised for a video he posted after Argentina’s 2024 Copa America win, which the French Football Federation described as a “racist and discriminatory” chant.
In addition to the post-final incidents, the AFA is already facing a probable fine for a banner displayed by players after their 2-1 semi-final victory against England. The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translating to “The Falklands are Argentine.” Players who held the banner, including Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, former Spurs player Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez, could potentially face bans. There is no specified timeline for Fifa’s prosecutor to conclude the investigation into Argentina’s conduct.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
