FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Argentina's conduct during and after the World Cup final, following a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code, particularly regarding post-match incidents involving Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
Post-Match Chaos in the Final
After the final whistle, Leandro Paredes shoved Spain defender Eric Garcia in the throat and aimed a kick at him, then grabbed Gavi and pushed him to the ground. Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri in the abdomen as he celebrated with teammates. Footage also showed Roberto Ayala punching Spain's Dani Olmo. Paredes' reported red card was later erased from FIFA's official records.
FIFA's statement read: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code with regard to the post-match incidents." The investigation will also determine if Argentina violated Article 13, which relates to offensive behaviour and fair play. Serious violations have previously resulted in lengthy bans, such as Luis Rubiales' three-year suspension for kissing Jenni Hermoso and Luis Suarez's four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini.
Messi and Mac Allister Escape Punishment
Earlier in the tournament, Lionel Messi escaped a yellow card after pressing his studs into Algeria's Aissa Mandi's leg during Argentina's opening match. VAR did not intervene, and Algeria later filed a complaint about officiating. Alexis Mac Allister also avoided punishment for elbowing Ibrahim Maza in the face.
In Argentina's second group game against Austria, Mac Allister fouled Xaver Schlager in the build-up to Messi's record-breaking goal, but VAR did not review the incident. The goal stood, and Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal tally.
Egypt Controversies
In the round of 16, Egypt had a goal disallowed after VAR determined a foul by Marwan Ateya on Lisandro Martinez at the start of the attacking sequence. Late in the match, Egypt were denied a penalty for an apparent foul on Mohamed Salah moments before Argentina's winning goal. Egypt lodged an official complaint, and coach Hossam Hassan said: "Why isn't there any fairness in sport? In football? I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice."
Mistaken Identity Rule
In the quarter-final against Switzerland, Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card, but the decision was overturned under the new 'mistaken identity' rule. Replays showed Breel Embolo had dived, and the caution was transferred to him. Since Embolo already had a booking, he was sent off. UEFA later directed its officials not to classify potential simulations as mistaken identity, stating that mistaken identity should be reserved for factual decisions.
England Incidents
After Argentina's semi-final win over England, players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine) during pitch celebrations. FIFA is examining the matter, and Argentine officials anticipate a fine of $20,000. Jude Bellingham also confronted Argentina's Valentin Barco after the final whistle, with Bellingham appearing to strike Barco. The cause of the confrontation remains unclear, but Barco had riled England players earlier with his antics after Argentina's winning goal.
List of Argentina's 11 Biggest World Cup Controversies
- Leandro Paredes attacking Spain stars
- Nahuel Molina hitting Rodri
- Roberto Ayala striking Dani Olmo
- Lionel Messi escaping red card
- Alexis Mac Allister elbow goes unpunished
- Alexis Mac Allister foul not reviewed
- Egypt goal disallowed
- Egypt denied penalty
- Mistaken identity red card
- Falklands banner
- Jude Bellingham clashes with Valentin Barco
