FIFA investigates incidents in the World Cup final
FIFA announced on Monday an investigation after the altercations that occurred at the end of the World Cup final, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Replays showed Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes pushing Eric García (Spain) by the neck. When substitute Gavi intervened, Paredes tackled him. Spanish captain Rodri was also hit in the stomach by Nahuel Molina, and was then confronted by his former teammate Nicolás Otamendi. Quickly, other players and Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni managed to de-escalate the situation.
FIFA indicated in a statement:
“The disciplinary committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible breaches of the (FIFA disciplinary code) with respect to post-match incidents.”
The organization did not give deadlines or mention Paredes, who did not receive a red card, although he could face a sanction.
Argentina played with 10 men from added time in the second half due to the expulsion of Enzo Fernández. The Argentine players, with their backs to the podium, watched Spain lift the trophy, an unusual lack of respect towards the new champions, who had previously given them a hall of honour.
President Javier Milei declared to Radio Miter:
“The defeat in the final against Spain cannot overshadow or tarnish the achievement of reaching a world final.”
Milei expressed pride in the team and highlighted that it was Argentina’s third World Cup final in four editions. “The players have given an enormous example of what it means to leave everything for a goal,” he said.
The Argentine team arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday and was received by hundreds of fans, but without statements.
