Spain's World Cup celebrations took a pointed turn as Lamine Yamal appeared to mock Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes while FIFA's investigation into the chaotic scenes after the final gathered pace.
The Barcelona star held up a sign during Spain's open-top bus parade through Madrid referencing Paredes' altercation with Gavi, just hours after football's governing body confirmed it had launched disciplinary proceedings that could lead to worldwide bans.
Millions of supporters lined the streets of the Spanish capital to celebrate Sunday's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, but memories of the ugly scenes which followed the final whistle were never far away.
Yamal's Sign and Paredes' Role
Yamal was spotted holding a sign reading: "Velada del Año VII: Paredes vs Gavi." The message referenced Spain's popular celebrity boxing event, joking that Paredes' confrontation with Gavi resembled a prize fight after the Argentina midfielder shoved the Barcelona youngster to the ground during the mass melee.
Paredes had already become one of the most criticised figures following the World Cup final after appearing to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing over Gavi as tempers boiled over. The incidents sparked widespread condemnation from pundits including Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Joe Hart, who all criticised Argentina's conduct after the defeat.
Despite initially being reported to have been sent off, Paredes' red card has since been removed from FIFA's official records. However, that does not mean the 32-year-old has escaped possible punishment.
FIFA Investigation and Potential Sanctions
FIFA has confirmed it has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match incidents, with several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff now facing the prospect of significant sanctions.
"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 governing body said in a statement.
The investigation will examine whether the behaviour of Argentina's players and staff breached Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code, which covers offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play. That regulation relates to conduct that violates "the basic rules of decent conduct" or brings football or FIFA into disrepute. If breaches are established, FIFA has the power to impose worldwide suspensions as well as financial sanctions. The prosecutor will also consider both aggravating and mitigating circumstances before making recommendations.
The investigation extends beyond Paredes. Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are all reported to have become involved in the post-match confrontations, while Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Separate FIFA Probe
The latest disciplinary case is also separate from FIFA's ongoing investigation into Argentina's "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner displayed after the semi-final victory over England. That means the Argentine Football Association is currently facing two separate FIFA disciplinary processes arising from incidents during the World Cup.
While Yamal and his Spain team-mates celebrated becoming world champions in front of jubilant supporters in Madrid, Argentina's players are now waiting to discover whether their actions after the final whistle will lead to further punishment.
