FIFA has launched an investigation into the ugly scenes that marred Spain’s World Cup final victory over Argentina, after players clashed on the pitch following the match.
Video replays captured several players involved in a scuffle, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes notably shoving Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat.
When Spain substitute Gavi attempted to intervene, Paredes pushed him to the ground.
Spain captain Rodri appeared to be struck in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who later crowded Rodri and was subjected to a verbal confrontation by his former Manchester City teammate Nicolas Otamendi.
Footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players quickly moved to de-escalate the situation.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed its “disciplinary committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the (FIFA disciplinary code) with regard to the post-match incidents.”
The brief announcement offered no timetable for the inquiry and did not name specific players, though Paredes, who avoided a red card during the game, could still face a retrospective suspension.
Spain secured their 1-0 victory in extra time on Sunday after Argentina were reduced to 10 men, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Further tension arose when Argentina’s squad stood facing their fans, with their backs to the podium, as Spain’s players lifted the trophy – an unusual display of disrespect towards the new champions, who had previously offered their opponents a guard of honour.
“It’s a disgrace,” Gary Neville said on ITV. “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them,” Alan Shearer said on BBC. “There is no place or space for that.
“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
