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FIFA has opened an investigation into potential disciplinary violations by Argentina following their World Cup Final loss to Spain. The global governing body of soccer has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review the incidents that occurred after Sunday's match at MetLife Stadium.
Multiple Argentina players and coaching staff members could now face serious sanctions if found guilty, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also risks another monetary penalty. A statement from FIFA confirmed: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."
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The South Americans faced criticism once more over their aggressive style during their 1-0 loss, with Enzo Fernández dismissed for two yellow-card offenses near the conclusion of regulation time, via The Mirror.
Post-game, Nahuel Molina struck Rodri in the chest as he ran past him celebrating, and Argentina's assistant coach Roberto Ayala was then involved in an altercation with Dani Olmo.
Leandro Paredes also seemed to have been given a red card following the final whistle after seizing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, the red card was subsequently erased from FIFA's official records, with the governing body later clarifying that no disciplinary measures had actually been imposed against the midfielder during the post-match clash.
Consequently, any ban or penalty for him would stem from any retrospective inquiry that may be launched by the FIFA disciplinary committee. Last week, FIFA also acknowledged it is reviewing reports from the semifinal against England following the display of a controversial Falkland Islands banner.
He has since broken his silence on social media, but failed to apologize for his part in the chaos. Paredes said: "Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves.
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"But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.
"To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honor to be part of the best Argentine national team in history."
Following their 2-1 defeat of Thomas Tuchel's side, Argentina's players celebrated brandishing a banner that read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' - 'The Falklands are Argentine'. Players including Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez could also potentially face individual sanctions for displaying the banner.
Speaking after the final, ex-England international Joe Hart branded Argentina's conduct 'disgusting'. He said: "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behavior."
Wayne Rooney added: "Does it surprise you? It doesn't surprise me. We've seen this with Argentina before. It's just not the reaction you want.
"We've seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That's just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It's really poor from them."
However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni countered after the match: "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."
