SerpApi.Org
FIFA has confirmed it has opened a formal disciplinary investigation into the chaotic post-match scenes that erupted after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, with the governing body appointing a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to examine potential breaches of its disciplinary code.
The trouble began in stoppage time of normal time, when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi, becoming the first player sent off in a World Cup final since John Heitinga in the 2010 final.
And things boiled over in a scuffle after the final whistle, before Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
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FIFA said in a statement: "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, 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."
Ferran Torres won the match for Spain with a goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
The real chaos, however, came after the final whistle. As Spain's players ran onto the pitch to celebrate, substitute Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch into the body of Spain captain Rodri, before squaring up to him further; Rodri chose to walk away rather than engage.
A wider brawl then broke out near the halfway line, with Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Eric Garcia by the throat and kick out at him, before throwing Spain's Gavi to the ground.
Paredes was shown a straight red card as a result, marking the second time in World Cup final history that Argentina has had two players sent off in the same match, having also suffered two dismissals in their 1990 final defeat to West Germany.
Footage also emerged of Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala appearing to strike Spain's Dani Olmo during the melee.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to intervene and separate players, physically pulling Garcia away from the confrontation.
"We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat," Scaloni said afterward. Following the fighting, most interactions calmed considerably, with Spain's players approaching Messi to offer their commiserations and Scaloni embracing Spain manager Luis de la Fuente in the center circle.
Argentina's players nonetheless kept their backs turned toward the pitch as Spain lifted the trophy behind them.
The postgame incidents added to widespread criticism of Argentina's overall approach throughout the match, in which the team committed a heavy volume of fouls, with five players booked across the 120 minutes and Argentina managing just two total shots, neither on target, compared to Spain's 20.
BBC pundits were particularly critical in the aftermath, with former England captain Alan Shearer calling Paredes' conduct "terrible," while Joe Hart singled out Messi for maintaining composure and shaking hands with every Spanish player despite his team's collapse into disorder. It comes after FOX reporter Jenny Taft was slammed for her behavior in an interview with Trump before the World Cup final.
