Argentina are facing fresh disciplinary action after ugly scenes marred the end of their World Cup final defeat to Spain, with FIFA confirming it has opened an investigation into the post-match altercations and the scale of possible punishments emerging.
The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the incidents that unfolded after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at MetLife Stadium.
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff could now face severe sanctions if they are found guilty, while the Argentine Football Association, AFA, also risks being hit with another financial penalty. The role of the officials in what happened will also be looked at.
The confrontation broke out moments after the final whistle as Spain’s players celebrated winning the World Cup.
Defender Nahuel Molina, midfielder Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to become involved in the melee.
Initial reports suggested Paredes had been shown a straight red card by referee Slavko Vincic after appearing to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, the dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records, with the governing body reportedly now confirming to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action had actually been taken against the midfielder during the aftermath of the match.
Argentina had already finished the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the Fifa World Cup final between Spain and Argentina… the Fifa disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code with regard to the post-match incidents,” Fifa said in a statement.
The potential punishments emerge
By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, FIFA has signaled that it is considering more serious breaches than straightforward simple violent conduct.
The investigation will examine whether the behavior of Argentina’s players and staff breached Article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which covers offensive behavior and the principles of fair play.
That includes conduct deemed to violate “the basic rules of decent conduct” or behavior that brings football or FIFA into disrepute.
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The prosecutor will assess both aggravating and mitigating factors before making recommendations, with FIFA possessing the power to hand down worldwide suspensions if appropriate.
Fifa previously relied on the same regulation when it brought disciplinary action against former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England.
Rubiales received a three-year ban from all football-related activities in 2023, with his subsequent appeal against the punishment unsuccessful.
Uruguay forward Luis Suarez was also handed a four-month suspension from all football-related football activity after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup.
The ban meant the then-Liverpool striker was forced to miss the opening nine matches of the Premier League campaign. Argentine players found guilty could now face significant suspensions.
Banner controversy already under investigation
The latest investigation comes as Argentina were already facing possible punishment over events following their World Cup semi-final victory over England.
After beating England 2-1, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentina’s”, “The Falklands are Argentine”, a political message backing Argentina’s long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands.
FIFA had already begun disciplinary proceedings over that incident, with AFA officials expecting a fine of $20,000
Players including Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez could also potentially face individual sanctions for displaying the banner.
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