Argentina will be forced to change their kit after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, losing the gold crest that marked them as champions. The badge, which featured an outline of the trophy and the words "FIFA World Champions 2022," must be removed as Spain now holds the title.
Kit changes and Copa America badge
Argentina's kit had included the gold crest since winning the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. With the defeat, they can no longer display it, and Spain will adopt the gold badge for the next four years. Argentina can still bear a badge celebrating their Copa America triumph in 2024. They will defend that trophy in 2028, two years before the next World Cup, which will be held predominantly in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Special single-match opening games will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.
Post-match incidents and FIFA investigation
Following the final whistle, midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to throw punches at members of the Spain squad. The match commissioner's report was reviewed by FIFA, which has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of its 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. Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed."
It was thought Paredes had been sent off for his conduct, but it has since emerged he was not shown a red card. Any suspension or sanction would arise from a retrospective probe by the FIFA disciplinary committee.
