FIFA has confirmed it has launched a disciplinary investigation into the post-match chaos that marred the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code after several Argentina players and staff clashed with Spain's players following Spain's 1-0 victory.
Red Card Incident and FIFA's Response
Reports initially claimed that Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes had been shown a straight red card by referee Slavko Vincic for grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, the dismissal was later removed from FIFA's official records. FIFA confirmed to BBC Sport that no disciplinary measures were imposed on Paredes during the match. Argentina had already finished the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time.
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."
Potential Punishments and Precedents
The investigation will determine whether the conduct of Argentina's players and staff violated Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code, which covers offensive behaviour and fair play. This includes actions that breach "the basic rules of decent conduct" or harm the reputation of football. The prosecutor will weigh aggravating and mitigating factors before recommending sanctions, with FIFA empowered to impose worldwide bans.
FIFA previously used the same regulation against former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who received a three-year ban for kissing Jenni Hermoso after the Women's World Cup final. Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was also banned for four months for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, forcing him to miss the first nine matches of the Premier League season.
Multiple Sanctions on the Horizon
Argentina already faces potential sanctions for a separate incident following their World Cup semi-final win over England. Players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine"), a political statement supporting Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands. FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) expecting a fine of $20,000. Individual players, including Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, and Lisandro Martinez, could also face sanctions for displaying the banner.
Thus, Argentina faces three possible punishments: a fine for the post-match brawl, a fine for the Falklands banner, and individual sanctions for players involved in the political protest. The investigation into the final's post-match events adds to the controversy surrounding Argentina's conduct at the tournament.
