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FIFA opens probe
FIFA opened an investigation into the violent scenes that followed Spain’s World Cup final win over Argentina, with several Argentina players facing bans after post-match altercations in New York.
“Fifa has opened an investigation into the post-match brawl that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, with players and the country’s football federation facing possible disciplinary action”
The Guardian said FIFA appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the Fifa Disciplinary Code with regard to the post-match incidents, citing article 36 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC).
The incidents described by The Guardian included Nahuel Molina appearing to strike Spain’s captain Rodri in the stomach as he ran on to the pitch following the final whistle, and Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Eric García by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground.
FIFA’s statement quoted by The Guardian said, “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,” and the investigation also covered Argentina’s conduct after their semi-final win over England.
Morocco World News added that FIFA would analyze the referee’s official reports and review match footage to determine whether the post-game clashes warrant formal suspensions or fines, with the report saying the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is at risk of a significant financial penalty.
Clashes and named scrutiny
The Guardian described the referee’s actions during the aftermath, saying Parades was subsequently shown a red card by the referee, Slavko Vincic, who had also sent off Enzo Fernández towards the end of normal time, as well as booking three other Argentina players and the head coach, Lionel Scaloni.
Morocco World News focused on specific incidents, saying FIFA is reviewing Leandro Paredes’ red card for violent conduct during Spain’s celebrations, alongside an incident where Nahuel Molina punched Spanish midfielder Rodri.
Morocco World News also reported that assistant coach Roberto Ayala is under scrutiny for allegedly shoving Dani Olmo during the post-match chaos, while it said several players turned their backs while Spain lifted the World Cup and officials will evaluate that gesture for potential disrespect or unsportsmanlike conduct.
In The Guardian’s account, FIFA is also investigating Argentina’s conduct after their semi-final win over England, when their players celebrated with a banner proclaiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which was smuggled into the Atlanta Stadium by supporters.
Morocco World News said FIFA has not announced any penalties or player suspensions and will wait until its full disciplinary process is complete before making a final ruling, expected to take several weeks.
What’s at stake next
The investigation’s scope, as described by Morocco World News, includes potential match suspensions or fines for players and coaches involved in the post-game clashes, with the report adding that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is at risk of receiving a significant financial penalty.
“Following a heartbreaking loss for Argentina, trouble may be brewing on the horizon”
The Guardian framed the broader stakes around European supply-chain scrutiny after the fire, but in the sports context it tied FIFA’s probe to possible bans for Argentina players and teams, noting that FIFA prohibits players or teams making political statements so those involved could be banned.
Morocco World News said FIFA will wait until its full disciplinary process is complete before making a final ruling, which it described as expected to take several weeks, and it said the governing body is currently analyzing the referee’s official reports and reviewing match footage.
Nine.au reported that FIFA confirmed it will investigate Argentina over post-game scenes described as “shocking and disgraceful” and said players and officials involved could face suspension while the Argentina football association could be fined.
Nine.au also quoted Australian great Craig Foster calling Argentina’s actions “shocking and disgraceful,” and it added that Alan Shearer described Molina’s actions as “terrible” on the BBC, underscoring how the probe could extend beyond the pitch into disciplinary outcomes for individuals and the federation.
