SerpApi.Org
Argentina now faces an uncertain future after FIFA confirmed it had opened an investigation into the disturbing post-match scenes at the World Cup final. The runners-up could face disciplinary action following the incidents that overshadowed Spain's 1-0 victory, with multiple confrontations breaking out after the final whistle.
FIFA will also scrutinize the conduct of referees and match officials, while several Argentina players and staff could face serious consequences if found guilty. The Argentine Football Association may additionally be hit with a financial penalty, as controversy continues to tarnish the final.
The altercation broke out shortly after the final whistle as Spain's players began celebrating their World Cup triumph.
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Defender Nahuel Molina, midfielder Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be involved in the incident.
Reports suggested that Paredes had received a straight red card from referee Slavko Vincic following an alleged grab of Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat.
However, the dismissal was not noted on FIFA's official match report. Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card for a second bookable offense in stoppage time.
"Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina... the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code with regard to the post-match incidents," FIFA said in a statement.
By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, FIFA has signaled that it is looking into violations that go beyond simple violent conduct.
The inquiry will establish whether the behavior of Argentina's players and staff violated Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code, which covers offensive conduct and fair play principles.
This includes behavior that breaks "the basic rules of decent conduct" or actions that tarnish the reputation of football or FIFA itself.
The prosecutor will weigh both aggravating and mitigating factors before submitting recommendations, with FIFA retaining the power to hand down worldwide bans where deemed necessary.
FIFA previously used the same regulation when it pursued disciplinary action against former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final victory over England. Rubiales received a three-year ban from all football-related activities in 2023, with his subsequent appeal against the punishment failing to overturn the decision.
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was also slapped with a four-month ban from all football-related activity following his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
The suspension forced the then-Liverpool forward to miss the first nine matches of the Premier League season.
Argentine players found guilty could now be staring down the barrel of significant bans.
The new investigation comes as Argentina was already facing potential penalties over incidents following their World Cup semifinal victory against England.
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After its 2-1 win over England, several Argentina players were filmed celebrating with a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"), a political statement backing Argentina's longstanding territorial claim over the Falkland Islands.
FIFA had already launched disciplinary proceedings regarding that incident, with AFA officials anticipating a fine of $20,000.
Players, including Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, could also potentially face individual penalties for displaying the banner.
Argentina could face punishment from FIFA on three separate counts - for their post-match brawl, a fine for the Falklands banner, and individual sanctions against players for promoting the political message.
