FIFA has been urged to retrospectively disqualify Argentina from the World Cup because of their antics immediately after Sunday's final. The defending champions were narrowly beaten by Spain, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time to deny Argentina back-to-back titles.
The match was fairly unremarkable, but the scenes that unfolded just moments after the final whistle were anything but. Leandro Paredes, simply unable to accept that Argentina had fallen at the last hurdle, threw punches and kicks at Spanish players as they sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate. He later failed to apologise in a lengthy Instagram statement which made no mention of his own disgraceful actions.
FIFA investigation and potential punishments
FIFA have since confirmed they are investigating what happened, which could lead to fines or player suspensions being handed down. However, there are growing calls to disqualify Argentina from the final World Cup standings, which would see England promoted to second place.
The vast majority of Express Sport readers believe this would be a fitting punishment. An overwhelming 98 per cent of over 30,000 respondents to our latest poll said that they wanted to see Argentina retrospectively removed.
This would be an unprecedented move with the potential to become the biggest controversy in football history. No team has ever been disqualified from a World Cup that has already taken place.
Unlikely but possible
It seems extraordinarily unlikely that FIFA would make that decision, given the sheer scale of the mess it would cause. However, it would be a surprise if Argentina escape without any form of punishment at all. They are also being investigated over the Falkland Islands banner held up by their players following the semi-final victory over England.
Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code covers offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play, which would be most applicable when it comes to the post-final violence. The actions of the Argentina players and staff could be judged as "violating the basic rules of decent conduct" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute".
The disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will take into account "both aggravating and mitigating circumstances" and has the power to enforce a ban globally.
This clause was utilised by FIFA to charge former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the last Women's World Cup. Under a similar ruling, Luis Suarez was suspended from all football activity for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match in 2014.
It remains to be seen how FIFA decide to deal with Argentina, with the governing body still looking into what happened as they mull over potential punishments.
