Football’s governing body has appointed a prosecutor to assess the clashes between Argentine and Spanish players at the full-time whistle at the Metlife Stadium as well as the banner held by players after the semi-final with England.
FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the Argentina national team over the incidents that occurred after the World Cup final, in which Spain were crowned champions. The body’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to analyse the referees’ reports and the images of the match to determine whether sanctions should be imposed on players or members of the Albiceleste coaching staff.
Among the incidents under investigation is Leandro Paredes’ conduct at the end of the match. According to the footage, the midfielder was involved in a confrontation with several Spanish players, in which he grabbed Eric García by the neck and pushed Gavi to the floor during La Roja’s title celebrations.
FIFA will also review the actions of Nahuel Molina, accused of striking Rodri, as well as the alleged involvement of Argentina’s assistant coach, Roberto Ayala, over an apparent push on Dani Olmo. It will likewise examine the behaviour of several Argentina players during the trophy presentation ceremony, when some of them turned their backs as Spain prepared to lift the World Cup.
Argentina are already under investigation following the semi-final against England over possible breaches of FIFA regulations on political messages. In that match, Giovani Lo Celso displayed a banner bearing the slogan “Las Malvinas son argentinas” (The Malvinas are Argentine), a gesture that has already been criticised by the UK government.
Once all the evidence has been reviewed, FIFA will decide whether to open individual disciplinary cases and what sanctions could be imposed on those involved.
