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Football Association president Gianni Infantino sent a letter to Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia applauding the team’s “professionalism” following their violent conduct in the wake of Spain‘s 1-0 World Cup final victory on July 19, 2026, a letter that has since been leaked and exposed in Argentina.
Football Association had already launched a formal probe into the post-match chaos, which saw players including Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, along with Argentinian assistant coach Roberto Ayala, physically attack Spain players as they celebrated winning the country’s second World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium. A separate investigation was also opened over a provocative political banner displayed after England‘s semi-final defeat, which incorrectly claimed the Falkland Islands.
What the Football Association Disciplinary Committee Said
Football Association issued a public statement confirming it was examining “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” by the Argentines. The Football Association Disciplinary Committee appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the Football Association Disciplinary Code (FDC) related to the post-match incidents, stating:
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the Football Association Disciplinary Code (FDC), the Football Association Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. Further details will be communicated by the Football Association Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
Infantino’s Letter to Tapia
Against this backdrop, Infantino’s private correspondence to Tapia struck a markedly different tone. The full letter read:
“Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.
“The World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.
“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.
“Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.
“These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.
“I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”
Football Association’s Public Image Problem
The gap between Football Association’s official disciplinary stance and Infantino’s personal correspondence is impossible to ignore. His public standing has taken significant damage throughout this tournament, and the leaked letter only deepens the perception that the organization speaks from two sides at once. Punishments for the players involved in the post-match altercation have yet to be confirmed.
Read also: Paredes Hints at Argentina Exit After World Cup Final Antics as Otamendi Confirms Retirement
Stay with TipsGG for the latest updates as Football Association’s disciplinary process unfolds.