FIFA Investigates Possible Disciplinary Breaches by Argentina in World Cup Final
LONDON: FIFA has launched an investigation into possible disciplinary breaches by Argentina following the team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, reported PA Media/dpa.
Immediately after the final whistle was blown in New Jersey, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was alleged to have punched several members of the Spanish squad as they celebrated their victory on the pitch.
The Match Commissioner’s report was reviewed by FIFA, which then decided to appoint a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The South American side was once again criticised for their overly physical approach, as was the case when they defeated England in the semi-finals, when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
“After reviewing the reports related to the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in relation to incidents that occurred after the match,” read a FIFA statement.
“Further information will be provided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report is completed.”
According to the Press Association, Paredes was not sent off in the scuffle at the end of Sunday’s match. Therefore, any suspension or disciplinary action against him depends on the outcome of a retrospective investigation that may be opened by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
So far, it remains unclear whether the committee is also investigating Argentine players for holding up a banner asserting Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their victory over England.
That action is clearly in violation of Article 34.3 of the Tournament Regulations.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was previously fined for similar conduct after a friendly match against Slovenia in 2014.
However, UEFA previously took tougher action in a nearly identical case, suspending Spanish players Rodri and Alvaro Morata for one match each for chanting slogans regarding Spain’s claim over Gibraltar after winning Euro 2024.
BERNAMA