The Argentina Football Association has branded claims that senior officials had their phones confiscated by FBI agents as "false."
There has been considerable fallout from the country's World Cup final defeat to Spain on Sunday, when Argentina were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Euro 2024 winners. After an unremarkable match, things erupted at full-time - with several Argentine players clashing with Spanish stars.
Post-match scenes and FIFA investigation
FIFA launched an investigation into the unsavoury post-match scenes, which saw Leandro Paredes red carded after the final whistle for grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat before becoming embroiled in a physical altercation with Gavi. Nahuel Molina also appeared to throw a punch at Rodri as things took a dramatic turn.
However, the off-field drama has continued long after the final - with reports in Argentina suggesting there were further issues as the squad attempted to return home.
Alleged phone seizure at JFK Airport
Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, allegedly had his phone seized by FBI agents. Infobae reported that Tapia was made to surrender his devices after being surrounded by US law enforcement officers at JFK International Airport. Tapia had been preparing to board a flight to Buenos Aires. It was alleged that other officials also had phones and computers confiscated.
However, the Argentinian FA has firmly rejected these claims, making their position abundantly clear with a strongly-worded statement. They wrote: "It is absolutely false to claim that Claudio Tapia or Pablo Toviggino have been summoned to testify by the United States Justice system, just as it is also false to claim that cell phones or any other electronic device have been seized from them."
Delays and possible FIFA sanctions
The alleged altercation reportedly delayed Argentina's flight home, where thousands of supporters had gathered to welcome the squad back and mark their remarkable run to the final.
It also remains to be seen what punishments, if any, FIFA will hand down to the players involved in the post-match disorder at the MetLife Stadium. Following the match, football's world governing body confirmed that a formal investigation had been launched into the matter.
"Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the Fifa World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC), the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents," said FIFA.
The players could also face further consequences for celebrating their victory over England by dancing around a handmade supporter banner bearing the words "Los Malvina son Argentinas", which translates to 'The Falklands are Argentine.'
