FIFA has opened a formal disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s national team after a stormy World Cup final defeat to Spain, raising the prospect of severe sanctions for several players and coaching staff and a fresh fine for the country’s football association.
The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to scrutinise a series of confrontations that erupted at MetLife Stadium in the aftermath of Sunday’s 1-0 loss.
In a statement, FIFA said: “Following an evaluation of the relevant match reports concerning the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the code in relation to post-match incidents.”
“Additional details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee upon conclusion of the prosecutor’s report,” the statement added.
Players and staff risk bans as AFA braced for fine
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff could be hit with bans if found guilty of disciplinary offences, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces the threat of another financial penalty.
The conduct of the world champions came under renewed scrutiny after an ill-tempered final in which Spain clinched the title with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time after receiving two yellow cards, with Argentina’s frustrations increasingly visible as the match slipped away.
After the final whistle, full-back Nahuel Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri in the chest as the Spanish captain ran past celebrating. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also involved in a heated clash with forward Dani Olmo amid chaotic scenes on the pitch.
Confusion over Paredes red card
There was further controversy surrounding midfielder Leandro Paredes, who appeared to have been sent off after the match for grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck.
Although Paredes was initially shown a red card in the immediate aftermath, the dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records.
FIFA has since confirmed that no formal disciplinary action was taken against the Argentina midfielder in the immediate post-match period, meaning any punishment would now stem from a retrospective review as part of the new investigation.
As a result, any suspension or sanction he faces will depend on the findings of the disciplinary prosecutor and subsequent decisions by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Wider scrutiny after England semi-final controversy
The probe into the final comes on top of existing scrutiny of Argentina’s behaviour during the tournament.
FIFA confirmed last week that it is also assessing match reports from the semi-final against England, following controversy linked to references to the Falkland Islands.
The combination of alleged violent conduct, touchline clashes and politically sensitive tensions has placed Argentina’s campaign under the spotlight beyond events on the pitch, and leaves the reigning world champions waiting to discover the full disciplinary fallout of their title defence.
