FIFA has launched an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches by Argentina following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine incidents that unfolded after Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium.
Several Argentina players and coaching staff members could face severe sanctions if found guilty, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also risks another financial penalty. A FIFA statement confirmed: '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 by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.'
Post-Match Incidents Under Scrutiny
Argentina were again criticised for their physical approach during the 1-0 defeat. Enzo Fernandez was sent off for two bookable offences towards the end of normal time. After the game, Nahuel Molina struck Spain's Rodri in the chest as he ran past celebrating, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was involved in an altercation with Dani Olmo. Leandro Paredes appeared to have been sent off after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, but the dismissal was later removed from FIFA's official records. The governing body confirmed that no disciplinary action had been taken against the midfielder during the aftermath.
As a result, any suspension or sanction for Paredes would arise from any retrospective investigation opened by the FIFA disciplinary committee. FIFA also last week confirmed it is assessing reports from the semi-final against England following the Falkland Islands controversy. After beating England 2-1, Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine). Players including Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, and Lisandro Martinez could face individual sanctions for displaying the banner.
Reactions from Former Players and Coaches
Former England international Joe Hart labelled Argentina's behaviour 'disgusting'. He said: 'There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour.' Wayne Rooney added: 'Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want. We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.'
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni defended his team, stating: 'We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.'
Potential Sanctions and Next Steps
If found guilty, Argentina players and staff could face bans and fines. The AFA may also receive a financial penalty, adding to any sanctions from the semi-final banner incident. FIFA's disciplinary committee will release further details once the prosecutor's report is completed.
