FIFA has officially opened an investigation into Argentina following the incidents that occurred immediately after the end of the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The sight of the “Albiceleste” players engaging in a heated confrontation with Spanish national team players while the new world champions were celebrating has already sparked controversy and is now leading to a disciplinary investigation.

FIFA announced that a special prosecutor for disciplinary and ethical matters has been appointed to thoroughly examine the events that took place after the final whistle. Players and members of Argentina’s coaching staff may face penalties, while the AFA risks another fine.

The incidents began just as Spain was celebrating its 1-0 victory and its second star. Some Argentine national team players remained on the ground, others stood stunned, and amid the chaos, Rodri—who had come on as a substitute in extra time—ran to celebrate with his teammates. As he ran past Nahuel Molina, the Argentine defender appeared to hit him on the arm or body. That was the tipping point.

Rodri turned toward Molina, who moved aggressively toward him. Eric García ran to support his teammate, and that’s when Leandro Paredes stepped in, appearing to strike García in the neck. Gavi tried to calm things down, but Thiago Almada knocked him to the ground, while Paredes shoved him again. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appears to have had contact with García and Dani Olmo.

Initially, FIFA had announced that Paredes was sent off for striking Garcia, but the red card was removed from the match report shortly thereafter. FIFA confirmed that no official disciplinary action had been taken at that time. Argentina was already down to ten players due to Enzo Fernández’s ejection in stoppage time.

FIFA had already launched an investigation into Argentina prior to the final, following the banner held by the players during the semifinal against England, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas.” The message regarding the Falkland Islands was deemed political and in violation of the regulations.

What happened right after the final

At the final whistle, some Argentine players—including Lionel Messi—collapsed onto the field. Others stood motionless, watching the Spaniards run around celebrating. Rodri, as he was heading to join his teammates, was struck by Molina. From that point on, things got out of hand.

Alan Shearer, commentating for the BBC, was scathing: “Paredes threw two or three punches. There’s no place for that. We know how much a loss hurts, but there’s a way to lose. We’ve seen it many times from Argentina. The reaction was unacceptable.”

Joe Hart added: “The game is over. They have no grounds for complaint about what happened. Disgusting behavior.”

Lionel Scaloni, however, tried to tone things down: “We must be dignified in victory and dignified in defeat. Today we’re showing that we know how to lose. We lost, we accept that, but we won’t forget what we did to get here.”

Possible Sanctions

FIFA now has all options at its disposal. With the appointment of an ethics prosecutor, the investigation is not limited to possible violent conduct but is examining, in general, whether the players or the AFA violated basic rules of decency and fair play.

Article 13 of the disciplinary code states that actions that “violate the rules of proper conduct” or “bring football and FIFA into disrepute” may result in sanctions. Penalties can range from a fine to a worldwide ban.

Similar cases in the past have resulted in severe penalties:
– Luis Rubiales was suspended for three years for kissing Jenny Hermoso.
– Luis Suárez was suspended for four months for biting Chiellini in 2014.

However, it is not considered likely that Almada, Ayala, Molina, and Paredes will receive such severe penalties. The AFA, however, has a history of violations. After the 2022 final, it was sanctioned for “inappropriate behavior” and “violation of fair play principles,” while Dibou Martinez has received penalties for gestures and incidents during qualifying matches.

The incident involving the Falklands banner is also expected to result in a fine, as was the case in 2014.

There is no timeline for the completion of the investigation. Judging by previous cases, it could take weeks or even months.