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FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association together with three players over the incidents that followed their defeat to Spain in the World Cup final the governing body announced. The investigation addresses four potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code ranging from the use of a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations and team misconduct to discriminatory and racist incidents plus violations of match order and security. A statement from the organization referred to discriminatory chants and gestures delayed kick-offs in several matches the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators as well as objects thrown during games.
Proceedings were also opened against Argentine players Leandro Paredes Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada assistant coach Roberto Ayala and Spanish defender Gavi for violent incidents after Spain’s victory the statement continued. Those events took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey immediately following the July 19 final which Spain won 1-0 in extra time through a goal by substitute Ferran Torres. The altercations broke out as the Spanish side began celebrating its second men’s World Cup title according to accounts that prompted the review.
A BBC Sport report detailed how members of the Argentina team and backroom staff engaged in confrontations with Spanish players after the final whistle in scenes later called shocking and disgraceful. Paredes pushed Eric Garcia and then Gavi while Molina was reported to have struck captain Rodri in the stomach during the melee that also produced an initial red card for Paredes before it was overturned. Ayala later apologized for the conduct that has now drawn formal scrutiny from FIFA’s disciplinary prosecutor.
The case further encompasses a banner referencing the Falklands displayed in support of Argentina which falls under the non-sporting demonstration provision according to coverage of the probe. News accounts described how fans gathered at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires after the loss only for the gathering to descend into riots with stones glass bottles and other objects thrown at police who responded with water cannons tear gas and rubber bullets. These disturbances formed part of a broader set of controversies that marked the tournament co-hosted by the United States Canada and Mexico.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described the Argentine conduct as intolerable and unacceptable in remarks made in the days after the match. The final itself featured a contentious refereeing sequence that produced two yellow cards and a red card for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the closing stages of regulation time. FIFA’s assessment is expected to determine any sanctions once the full review of the incidents is completed.
