Argentina supporters have signed a petition demanding that the 2026 World Cup final be replayed after Spain defeated Lionel Messi's side 1-0. The petition accuses referee Slavko Vincic of being corrupt, citing his performance as the reason the result should be voided.
Petition Gains Thousands of Signatures
The Change.org petition, created by Gisela Sanchez, had gathered more than 82,000 signatures. Sanchez argues that FIFA should void the result due to Vincic's officiating. "The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match's outcome," Sanchez writes. "It is a monumental disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who crave to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by rigged refereeing decisions."
Match Details and Controversy
Argentina failed to register a single shot on target during the 120 minutes. Enzo Fernandez received a red card in the 93rd minute after a second yellow for a heavy foul. After the final whistle, Leandro Paredes clashed with Gavi and Eric Garcia, and Nauel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri. Vincic blew his whistle 46 times for fouls, 25 against Argentina. Fernandez's yellow cards came for dissent and a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
FIFA Investigation and Other Petitions
FIFA is investigating the conduct of Argentina's players after the match. Other petitions on Change.org demand that Argentina be banned from future World Cups; one calling for exclusion amassed over 29 million signatures before being closed. Gary Neville commented on ITV: "It's a disgrace. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it's been a disgrace the last few games."
