FIFA looks into Argentina players after clash with Spain

A fight broke out after the final whistle when Spain won their second World Cup.

FIFA has started disciplinary action against Argentina after players and officials were involved in fights following their World Cup final loss to Spain and other issues during the tournament.

The football governing body began the investigation after bringing in a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into what happened after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in July.

Several Argentina players and backroom staff got into altercations with Spain players after the match, which led FIFA to review the situation.

According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, FIFA will investigate Argentina players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, for alleged assault under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.

Molina is also facing a separate investigation for alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article, along with teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi.

FIFA rules state that players and officials found guilty of unsporting conduct could face at least a one-match suspension. Assault offences carry a minimum suspension of three matches.

The Argentine Football Association is also under investigation for several possible violations during the tournament. These include using sporting events for non-sporting protests, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, as well as breaking match order and security rules.

FIFA's investigation covers incidents involving discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages from players or fans, and objects thrown during matches.

Argentina also drew attention during the tournament when players celebrated their semi-final win over England with a banner supporting their claim to the Falkland Islands.

The banner read, "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," which means "The Falklands are Argentine."

FIFA is now expected to review the evidence before deciding on any possible punishments for the Argentine players, officials, and the football association.

PUNCH Online reported that FIFA had opened an inquiry into a fight between Argentine and Spanish players right after the World Cup final in New Jersey, a match Spain won 1-0, ending Argentina's reign since 2022.