FIFA has launched an investigation into a brawl between Spain and Argentina players following the World Cup final, which could result in significant bans for several Argentine players.
Spain won the World Cup for the second time on Sunday night, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
After the final whistle, Nahuel Molina ran onto the pitch and appeared to punch Spain captain Rodri in the stomach. At the same time, another major scuffle broke out in midfield, where Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain’s Éric García by the throat before pushing Gavi to the ground.
During one of the chaotic moments, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also seen punching Spain’s Dani Olmo. In video footage that has since gone viral, Ayala can be seen being pulled away by Éric García.
Referee Slavko Vinčić showed Paredes a straight red card to bring the situation under control, having also shown Enzo Fernández a red card earlier toward the end of the match. Three other Argentine players, along with head coach Lionel Scaloni, were shown yellow cards.
In a statement announcing the investigation, FIFA said, “Following a review of the match report for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, an investigating officer has been appointed in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), to look into the unwanted incidents that occurred after the match and any possible breaches of discipline.”
Paredes and Argentina could face serious disciplinary action over Sunday’s chaotic scenes, though the statement did not name any specific players or incidents.
Beyond the final, FIFA is also investigating Argentina’s celebrations following their semi-final win over England, during which Scaloni’s team celebrated with a controversial political banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentine”), handed to them by fans in the stands.
FIFA rules prohibit political messaging on the field or by players, and those involved in that incident could also face bans.
