Argentina must remove the gold crest from their shirts after losing the World Cup final to Spain, marking another reminder of their defeat. The badge, which featured an outline of the trophy and the words "FIFA World Champions 2022", was added after Lionel Messi led the team to victory in Qatar 2022.
Spain, now world champions, will wear the emblem at the next World Cup, co-hosted with Portugal and Morocco. Special opening matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the tournament's 100th anniversary.
FIFA investigates post-match brawl
Seconds after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Argentina players and staff, including Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in a brawl. Contrary to initial belief, Paredes was not shown a red card. FIFA announced its disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to investigate possible breaches of the disciplinary code.
A FIFA 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."
Gavi speaks on Paredes incident
Spain midfielder Gavi, who was grabbed by Paredes during the melee, said he does not want the Boca Juniors star to be suspended. Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE: "I don't think [Paredes] should be suspended. I understand it's not a good image for children, but I think there's also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive. The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that's it. In the end, I think it's all football, and it has to be that way."
Argentina can still display a badge commemorating their 2024 Copa America victory, a title they will defend in 2028.
