Investigation launched into post-match altercations
Fifa has confirmed an investigation into the incidents that occurred after the recent World Cup final in New Jersey. A disciplinary and ethics prosecutor has been appointed by Fifa’s disciplinary committee to assess the events following the final whistle at MetLife stadium. This inquiry could lead to suspensions for any players or coaches involved in the fracas, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also face a fine.
The altercations involved members of the Argentina team and backroom staff with Spain players as they celebrated their victory after a 1-0 defeat of Argentina. Players such as Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, appeared to be involved in the incidents.
Details of the post-final incidents
As the final whistle blew, some Argentina players, including Lionel Messi, were seen on the turf while Spain’s players celebrated. The trouble reportedly began when Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, passed Molina. Molina appeared to punch Rodri on the arm or stomach, leading to a confrontation where Molina acted aggressively.
Spain’s Eric Garcia ran to support his teammate, and Paredes became involved, reportedly jabbing Garcia in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi attempted to intervene but was forced to the ground by Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor by putting his hand in the Spaniard’s face. Ayala also appeared to hold Garcia around the throat and then seemed to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Initial reports suggested that Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic for pushing Eric Garcia. However, Fifa later confirmed that Paredes’ red card was removed from the record and no disciplinary action was taken at the time. Argentina had one player dismissed during the match, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni attempted to calm the situation and later commented on the team’s ability to accept defeat. He stated, “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.”
Potential disciplinary actions
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has several options available. By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, Fifa will examine offenses in more detail, beyond just potential violent conduct. This could lead to stronger punishments if players or the national association are charged and found guilty. Article 13 of the disciplinary code addresses offensive behavior and fair play principles, covering actions that violate “basic rules of decent conduct” or bring the sport into “disrepute.”
The disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will consider both aggravating and mitigating circumstances and has the authority to enforce global bans. This clause was previously used to charge former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who was banned from football-related activities for three years. While it is considered unlikely that Almada, Ayala, Molina, and Paredes will face bans of similar length, the AFA has faced issues with player behavior in recent years.
Argentina faced charges related to “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials” after the 2022 World Cup final. Following their victory against France on penalties, the team was criticised for its celebrations. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a gesture with his Goalkeeper of the Tournament trophy and was filmed mocking France star Kylian Mbappe. Argentina was fined, but no action was taken against individual players at that time.
However, Martinez was banned for two games in 2024 for ‘offensive behaviour’ during World Cup qualifiers. The AFA is also facing a probable fine at this World Cup for a banner displayed by players after their semi-final win against England. The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translating to “The Falklands are Argentine.” Fifa previously fined the AFA for a similar banner in 2014. Players who held the banner, including Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, former Spurs player Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez, could potentially face bans.
There is currently no set timescale for Fifa’s prosecutor to complete the investigation into Argentina’s conduct.
Read Also
Source: bbc.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”