Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has described his altercation with Dani Olmo after the World Cup final as 'more of a push than anything else', as FIFA investigates the post-match scenes.
Spain secured their second World Cup on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Argentina, thanks to Ferran Torres' extra-time goal. However, the match was marred by ugly scenes after the final whistle, including a clash between Ayala and Olmo.
Ayala's explanation
Footage appeared to show Ayala throwing a punch at the Barcelona forward, but the former defender denied this. 'It was more of a push than anything else, it wasn't a punch like they're saying, and that's it,' Ayala told Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio. 'It was a reaction to something he said, but that's it. If I see him, I'll obviously apologise to him in person.'
Ayala expressed regret over the incident, saying: 'Obviously I'm sorry. Because of my position, I can't allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions.' He added: 'I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to go and separate them, that was my intention, but sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that's no excuse.'
FIFA investigation
FIFA has confirmed it is investigating potential disciplinary breaches by Argentina. A statement read: '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.'
Further details will be communicated once the prosecutor's report has been completed.
