The Argentina Football Association has branded claims that senior officials had their phones seized by FBI officials as "false." The denial comes amid fallout from the country's World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Post-Match Brawl and Investigation
La Albiceleste were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Euro 2024 winners. At the final whistle, several Argentina players brawled with Spain's stars. FIFA launched an investigation into the ugly post-match scenes, which saw Leandro Paredes receive a red card after the final whistle for attacking Eric Garcia by grabbing his throat and pushing him to the ground, while also getting into a physical altercation with Gavi. Nahuel Molina also appeared to throw a punch at Rodri.
Alleged Phone Seizure Denied
Reports from Argentina claimed that Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, had his phone seized by FBI agents at JFK International Airport as he prepared to fly to Buenos Aires. It was also claimed other officials had phones and computers seized. However, the Argentinian FA issued an explosive statement: “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.”
Delayed Return and Fan Reception
The purported fracas delayed Argentina's flight back to the country, where thousands of fans were waiting to greet them and celebrate their run to the final. Argentina were given a heroic reception when they returned.
FIFA Investigation
It remains to be seen what punishments, if any, FIFA will issue to the players at the heart of the post-match melee at the MetLife Stadium. FIFA issued a statement: “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.”
