FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-match confrontation that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, with several players and the Argentine Football Association facing possible sanctions.
The investigation centres on incidents that occurred after the final whistle, including clashes involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi.
Nahuel Molina was also accused of attempting to strike Spain captain Rodri during the confrontation.
FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee would review match reports and available evidence before deciding whether further action should be taken.
The investigation could also extend to events after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England, where some Argentina players displayed a banner carrying the message, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” meaning “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”
A FIFA spokesperson said after the semi-final that the organisation’s disciplinary body was assessing the reports and circumstances surrounding the incident before determining possible next steps under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The same procedure would now apply to the World Cup final.
Paredes and Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off during the match after receiving two yellow cards, are already set to miss Argentina’s next competitive fixture through suspension.
However, FIFA’s disciplinary regulations allow for additional punishment where players are found guilty of violent conduct.
Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, acts such as assaulting an opponent through actions including punching, kicking, elbowing, biting, spitting or striking can attract a suspension of at least three matches or an appropriate period determined by the disciplinary body.
FIFA also has the authority to impose retrospective sanctions based on video evidence.
Previous cases include Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who received a nine-match international ban and a four-month suspension from football activities after biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup.
Former France captain Zinedine Zidane was also handed a three-match ban after headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, while Materazzi received a two-match suspension for his role in the incident.
FIFA could increase Paredes’ punishment if it determines that his actions amounted to violent conduct.
Molina may also face retrospective disciplinary action despite escaping a booking during the match.
The Argentine Football Association could equally face sanctions if FIFA determines that the misconduct extended beyond individual players.
The disciplinary code allows action against national associations where teams engage in behaviour that damages the reputation of football or FIFA.
The confrontation began shortly after Spain players Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri moved past Molina while celebrating Spain’s victory.
Molina appeared to swing towards Rodri before both players confronted each other.
Spain defender Eric Garcia attempted to intervene, but Paredes rushed into the situation and knocked him to the ground. After Garcia stood up, Paredes appeared to make contact with his throat area.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to calm the situation, but Paredes later became involved in another clash with Spain midfielder Gavi, who was pushed to the ground before teammates separated the players.
Footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo during the disorder.
The incident marked a chaotic conclusion to Argentina’s World Cup campaign, which ended with Lionel Messi making his final appearance at the tournament.
