Sports21 July, 20262 min read
FIFA Investigates Argentina After Leandro Paredes Throws Punches At Spain Squad In New York/New Jersey
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey after extra time. Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow and was sent off in the final.
Final brawl triggers probe
Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain has been followed by a FIFA investigation into post-match behaviour after incidents in New York/New Jersey, including Leandro Paredes appearing to throw punches at members of the Spain squad and Nahuel Molina also involved in a physical altercation. Sky Sports said Enzo Fernandez praised Argentina for playing with "pride" and "humility" after it was confirmed FIFA will investigate the team’s behaviour after the final. FIFA’s disciplinary process was described by Sky Sports as the Disciplinary Committee appointing a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
“FIFA will investigate the team's behaviour after the final.”
The BBC reported that Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi, and that Spain won 1-0 after extra time on Sunday in New Jersey. The BBC also said the first booking was for showing dissent toward Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, before Fernandez was later dismissed for catching Pau Cubarsi with a challenge that sent the defender cartwheeling in the air.
Criticism and competing narratives
As the investigation began, The Times of India framed renewed scrutiny around new footage, saying it appeared to show an attempt to influence the aftermath of Enzo Fernandez’s decisive red card.
The Times of India quoted former England defender Micah Richards saying, "It's embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time."
The BBC reported that altercations involved Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, with Paredes seen pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat.
The BBC also described Spain’s Gavi trying to intervene but being forced to the ground by Almada, and said Paredes pushed Gavi to the turf by placing his hand in the Spaniard's face.
In a separate reaction captured by The Times of India, Wayne Rooney criticised Argentina’s response, saying, "If you lose a game of football, be graceful."
What happens next for players
FIFA’s disciplinary review raised the prospect of sanctions, with the BBC saying any player or coach involved could face suspension and that the Argentine Football Association may also be fined. The BBC reported that the actions of Argentina players on the pitch were heavily criticized by former England internationals, including Alan Shearer saying that Paredes threw haymakers into someone's face and that there is no place for that. NBC Sports reported that Lionel Scaloni, speaking after falling 1-0 to Spain at MetLife Stadium, said he has not spoken to Lionel Messi about his future and felt the team’s performance was hampered by injuries along his back line.
NBC Sports also quoted Scaloni on the Enzo sending off, saying, "the first yellow card could’ve been avoided by the referee but it is what it is." Meanwhile, Sky Sports said Ferran Torres’ strike in the 106th minute secured a second World Cup title for Spain, and that Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi.