SerpApi.Org
FIFA has announced it will investigate the brawl that took place after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.
As the final whistle blew in New Jersey, Spain’s players raced across the pitch in jubilation, after winning 1-0 with a 106th-minute winner from Ferran Torres.
Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, ran over from the dugout to join his team-mates, but as the Manchester City midfielder went past Nahuel Molina, the Argentina defender appeared to punch Rodri in the stomach, igniting a scuffle between players from both teams.
Rodri confronted Molina, but it was the Argentina player who thrust forward aggressively. Eric Garcia ran over to back up his team-mate, at which point Leandro Paredes got involved too, jabbing Garcia in the throat.
Spanish substitute Gavi tried to intervene, only to be forced to the ground by Thiago Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor by putting his hand in the Spaniard’s face.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, and any player or coach involved in the fracas could face suspension.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined, after FIFA had already begun an investigation into Argentina when their players held a banner in support of their country’s claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semi-final win against England.
At the time of the brawl, it was incorrectly reported on FIFA’s commentator information system that Leandro Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic for pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat.
Paredes’ red card was deleted shortly afterwards, and FIFA confirmed to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken at the time.
