The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly considering taking legal action over what has been described as a misinformation campaign targeting the country's players during the World Cup. The AFA is said to be gathering evidence after a series of allegations, images and social media posts circulated during their run to Sunday's final.
Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra-time after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off. Their tournament had been overshadowed by repeated accusations that match officials and FIFA wanted Lionel Messi and Argentina to progress deep into the competition.
Allegations and backlash
Those claims intensified following Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16. Egypt striker Mostafa Ziko claimed the tournament had been “rigged” in Argentina's favour, while head coach Hossam Hassan alleged that officials wanted Messi to remain involved because of his commercial appeal.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina subsequently rejected any suggestion of bias and offered a firm defence of the officials involved in the match. Collina warned that unsupported accusations about referees could have serious consequences, including provoking threats against officials and their families. He insisted the integrity of World Cup match officials should not be questioned without evidence.
However, criticism of Argentina continued throughout the knockout stages and increased following the final. Their cautious tactics against Spain were questioned, while the behaviour of some players and members of the coaching staff after the final whistle also attracted widespread condemnation.
Investigation and confrontations
FIFA opened an investigation after Argentina and Spain players became involved in a series of heated confrontations as the newly crowned world champions attempted to celebrate their victory. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was among those involved in the disorder, although reports that he had been shown a red card after the final whistle were later disputed.
Now reports originating from Argentina claim the AFA are considering a legal response to some of the material published about their squad. Prominent Argentina-focused social media account All About Argentina claimed early information indicated that the association was examining potential defamation cases over false allegations, manipulated images and claims made without supporting evidence.
It was further claimed that a legal team was collecting posts, screenshots and other online material, with media organisations and individual social media users potentially among those targeted. There has not yet been a formal public announcement from the AFA confirming that proceedings will be launched.
Documentation and context
Argentine newspaper La Nacion has also documented a number of the posts and accusations directed towards the national team during the tournament. The episode represents a dramatic change in the mood surrounding Argentina and Messi. Four years earlier, much of the football world celebrated as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar. This summer, however, Argentina found themselves cast as the villains by sections of the international audience amid refereeing controversies, political tensions and criticism of their conduct. Despite defeating England in the semi-final, Argentina were unable to retain their crown as Torres struck in extra-time to secure Spain's second World Cup triumph.
