FIFA is set to launch disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following ugly scenes after Sunday’s World Cup final, in which Leandro Paredes was sent off for punching a Spanish player and several Argentina stars turned their backs during the trophy presentation.
FIFA is preparing to investigate Argentina’s players and coaching staff after a brawl broke out at the final whistle of Sunday’s World Cup final, according to a report in The Times. Spain beat Argentina in extra time at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal to secure the country’s second World Cup title, following their first triumph in 2010. The match ended in chaotic scenes as players clashed on the pitch, resulting in a red card for Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
How the brawl unfolded
New footage of the incident shows Argentina’s Nahuel Molina striking Spain captain Rodri in the torso as he ran past, prompting the Manchester City midfielder to square up to him. Players from both sides were quickly drawn into the ensuing melee. Paredes was then shown grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck before punching Gavi in the face and pushing him to the ground, leading to his dismissal in what were described as appalling scenes at full time.
According to The Times, footage also appears to show Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala becoming involved as players and staff from both camps converged on the pitch following Spain’s celebrations.
What FIFA will examine
FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings are expected to focus initially on the red card shown to Paredes, but will also extend to examining the conduct of other Argentina players and coaching staff involved in the confrontation. Officials are also set to review Argentina’s decision to turn their backs during Spain’s trophy presentation, assessing whether the gesture breached FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. Any further sanctions could include additional match suspensions or financial penalties, should other players or officials be found to have committed misconduct during the post-match incidents.
The investigation comes just days after Argentina’s conduct during their semi-final win over England already drew scrutiny, adding further pressure on FIFA to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.
Tensions before the final whistle
According to DAZN Spain, the confrontation was preceded by comments from Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi to Rodri, referencing pre-match remarks by Spain players about officiating decisions ahead of the final. Rodri had raised concerns before the match over what he viewed as a series of questionable decisions that had benefited Argentina during the tournament, telling Otamendi: “You and [Spain team-mate Aymeric] Laporte. Both of you. You spent the time crying and complaining about the referees, my friend. But you shouldn’t have spoken before the match, you know that? Didn’t you see what he said this week?”
Argentina’s approach throughout the tournament had already drawn criticism, following a similarly physical performance in their semi-final victory over England. Torres’s winning goal in the 106th minute came after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Reaction from both camps
Despite the heated scenes, Lionel Messi was seen congratulating several Spain players after the final whistle before rejoining his teammates for the trophy ceremony. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his players for remaining composed throughout the confrontation, saying they had let their football do the talking over the course of the tournament.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that Spain had deserved victory, admitting his side had been second best on the night, while defending his players’ commitment throughout the competition.
