Argentina are under Football Association scrutiny after the governing body confirmed it had opened a formal investigation into post-match incidents that overshadowed Spain‘s 1-0 World Cup final victory. Several Argentina players and staff could face significant punishments if the appointed prosecutor determines violations of the Football Association disciplinary code occurred.
The confrontation erupted shortly after the final whistle as Spain’s players began celebrating their World Cup triumph. Defender Nahuel Molina, midfielder Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to become embroiled in the fracas. Reports had claimed Paredes was issued a straight red card by referee Slavko Vincic for an apparent grab of Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. That dismissal was subsequently erased from Football Association’s official records, with the governing body confirming to BBC Sport that no disciplinary measures had been imposed on the midfielder during the post-match chaos.
Argentina had already ended the fixture with 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s red card for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina… the Football Association disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the Football Association disciplinary code with regard to the post-match incidents,” Football Association said in a statement.
The Potential Punishments
By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, Football Association has signalled it is examining violations that extend beyond violent conduct alone. The investigation will determine whether the conduct of Argentina’s players and staff contravened Article 13 of Football Association’s disciplinary code, which addresses offensive behaviour and fair play principles. This encompasses conduct that breaches “the basic rules of decent conduct” or actions that damage the reputation of football or Football Association itself.
The prosecutor will evaluate both aggravating and mitigating circumstances before presenting recommendations. Football Association holds the authority to impose worldwide bans where warranted.
Football Association previously invoked the same regulation when it pursued disciplinary proceedings 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 appeal against that sanction ultimately failing.
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was also hit with a four-month ban from all football-related activity following his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. The suspension forced the then-Liverpool forward to sit out the first nine fixtures of the Premier League season. Argentine players found guilty now face the prospect of comparably substantial bans.
Multiple Fronts of Disciplinary Exposure
The fresh investigation arrives while Argentina were already facing potential sanctions over incidents following their World Cup semi-final win against England. After their 2-1 victory, several Argentina players were seen celebrating with a banner displaying “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a political statement supporting Argentina’s territorial claim over the Falkland Islands. Football Association had already initiated disciplinary proceedings regarding that episode, 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 face individual sanctions for displaying the banner. Argentina now potentially face punishment on three separate counts: the post-match melee, a fine for the Falklands banner, and individual player sanctions for promoting a political message. The Argentine Football Association may also be hit with further financial penalties as the fallout from a deeply controversial final continues to develop.
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Stay with TipsGG for full coverage as Football Association’s disciplinary proceedings progress and verdicts are handed down.