FIFA is investigating Argentina over the team’s aggressive antics following its World Cup loss to Spain on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
A brawl broke out between Argentina players and Spain players after Leandro Paredes struck Spain’s Eric Garcia in the throat, sending him to the ground, before shoving Spain’s Gavi to the pitch when he tried to intervene.
Players from both sides rushed in, with things eventually cooling down, and Spain was able to go on with its celebration for their 1-0 win to earn the World Cup title.
The incident has drawn the attention of FIFA, which announced in a brief statement on Monday that it would be looking into the altercation.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” the sports’ governing body said in a statement.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
It’s unclear what the result of the investigation will be and how long it could take for FIFA to make a ruling.
Argentina has been widely criticized for its play on the pitch as well as its actions after it lost.
The 2022 World Cup winners turned their backs on Spain when they were going through the post-match ceremony and Argentina players ducked the media, going around the mixed zone, which is part of their media obligations during the tournament.
Spain’s Dani Olmo criticized Argentina’s actions when speaking with reporters after the match.
“We don’t care,” Olmo said. “What’s important are the values you want to transmit. We are an example for many generations, and I think they should be too. Now, we’re going to enjoy it.”
