FIFA opens disciplinary probe into Argentina players after post-match brawl mars Spain's World Cup final win
Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory in New Jersey, while Nahuel Molina struck Rodri and assistant coach Daniel Ayala hit Dani Olmo.
Post-match chaos
After Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Argentina's players reacted violently. Leandro Paredes ran to Eric Garcia, grabbed him by the throat and shoved him to the ground. When Gavi intervened, Paredes grabbed his substitute bib, struck his face and wrestled him down, preventing him from rising. Nahuel Molina had already punched Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as Rodri ran to celebrate. Assistant coach Daniel Ayala was seen striking Spain's Dani Olmo. Manager Lionel Scaloni sprinted across to pull his players away.
Red card confusion
Initial TV broadcasts, including ITV and BBC, reported that Paredes had been sent off for his actions. However, FIFA sources told The Independent that referee Slavko Vincic did not show a red card. The only player officially dismissed was Enzo Fernandez, who received a second yellow for a late tackle on Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time. Paredes had been booked earlier in the match and was already close to a sending-off.
FIFA opens investigation
FIFA confirmed it had appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to examine the incidents. "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports... 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," a statement said. No timetable was given, but Paredes, Molina and Ayala could face retrospective suspensions.
- Spain wins 1-0 after extra time; Enzo Fernandez sent off with second yellow
- Nahuel Molina strikes Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as he runs to celebrate
- Leandro Paredes grabs Eric Garcia by the throat and shoves him to the ground
- Paredes grabs Gavi's bib, strikes his face and wrestles him down, preventing him from rising
- Assistant coach Daniel Ayala hits Spain's Dani Olmo
- Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni sprints across to pull his players away
- Argentina players turn their backs to the podium as Spain lifts the trophy
Pundits condemn Argentina
British broadcasters were scathing. Gary Neville on ITV called it "a disgrace", adding: "I love the competitiveness of the Argentines... but it's been a disgrace the last few games."
Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face.... There is no place or space for that.
Joe Hart labelled the behaviour "disgusting". In Germany, former international Tabea Kemme said of Paredes: "The fuses blew after the final whistle." Lothar Matthäus told Bild: "For me, that has nothing to do with football.... You could see that the Argentines are bad losers." Christoph Kramer added: "That must not happen."
Disrespect at the ceremony
After receiving silver medals from US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Argentina's squad walked to their own fans and then turned their backs to the podium as Spain lifted the trophy. Lionel Messi stood apart in tears. Fans on social media called the gesture "tasteless."
