FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s national team over physical clashes with Spain players that broke out immediately after the World Cup final, football’s governing body confirmed.
The incidents occurred following the full-time whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain had just beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the tournament. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor under Article 36 of its Disciplinary Code to review match officials’ reports and video footage of the confrontations.
What is under review
Leandro Paredes is among the central figures in the investigation. Footage shows the midfielder in a physical confrontation with Spain’s Eric García, reportedly grabbing him around the neck, before a separate altercation in which Gavi ended up on the ground. Reports have varied on whether Paredes was shown a red card in the moments after the final whistle; FIFA has since indicated to the BBC that no disciplinary action was taken against him during the match itself.
Nahuel Molina is also under scrutiny over an alleged strike on Spain captain Rodri, while Nicolás Otamendi was involved in a separate heated exchange with the Spanish captain, reportedly connected to pre-match comments Rodri and teammate Aymeric Laporte had made about the match officials.
FIFA will additionally examine the conduct of Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who is alleged to have pushed Spain’s Dani Olmo, along with the behavior of several Argentina players during the trophy presentation, when some reportedly turned their backs as Spain prepared to lift the trophy.
A second, separate case
Argentina were already the subject of a FIFA investigation stemming from their semi-final win over England, after Giovani Lo Celso displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas,” translating to “The Malvinas are Argentine.” The gesture drew criticism from the UK government and is being assessed separately under FIFA’s rules on political messaging.
FIFA has not provided a timetable for either investigation and has not named individual players facing formal charges. The federation said the prosecutor’s review will determine whether individual disciplinary cases should be opened against players or coaching staff.
Reaction
The scenes drew strong criticism from television pundits covering the final. “There is no place or space for that,” former England captain Alan Shearer said in his post-match analysis, calling Argentina’s reaction to the loss “terrible.” Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was similarly critical on ITV, describing the confrontation as unacceptable while praising Argentina’s on-field competitiveness throughout the tournament more broadly.
Precedent
Argentina have faced FIFA disciplinary scrutiny after previous major tournament wins. Following their 2022 World Cup triumph over France, FIFA opened proceedings over conduct including goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s actions during the trophy celebration and comments made about opponents, alongside a separate case involving the Argentine federation’s marketing and media obligations.
What happens next
FIFA’s disciplinary process will now proceed with the prosecutor’s review of match reports and footage. Depending on the findings, the federation could open individual cases against specific players or staff members, with sanctions ranging from fines to potential suspensions, though no decision has yet been made public.
