Ferran Torres had just scored the extra-time winner that sealed Spain's 1-0 World Cup final victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium. But as the Spanish players began to celebrate, chaos erupted on the pitch — and within minutes, Leandro Paredes had been sent off for kicking Spain defender Eric Garcia to the floor before grabbing the Barcelona centre-back around the neck. Nahuel Molina took a swipe at Rodri, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala reportedly threw a punch at Dani Olmo.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, initially caught up in the joy of victory, later described the behaviour as “intolerable, unacceptable”. In an interview with Spanish television, he said: “At the time, I didn’t realise it. I was celebrating, hugging teammates. But in any case, it is intolerable, unacceptable, it cannot be allowed. Players of that stature, whom I praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, who are great players with a tremendous coach, surely they must have felt just as bad as we did seeing those reactions.”
“Spain coach De la Fuente calls Argentina players' post-match behaviour 'intolerable' as FIFA launches investigation.”
De la Fuente made clear his pride in how his own players responded. “I want to highlight our behaviour in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation,” he said. “Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals.” The Spain manager had earlier praised the exemplary conduct of his squad when confronted with what he called “acts of aggression” and “provocations” that could have escalated.
The ugly post-match scenes were filmed and widely shared on social media, prompting FIFA to act. The world governing body announced that its disciplinary committee has appointed a prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. A statement read: “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. Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed.”
The investigation is ongoing, and no sanctions have yet been imposed. Meanwhile, it was reported by the BBC that the red card shown to Paredes has been removed, meaning no immediate disciplinary action from FIFA — though the broader inquiry leaves the door open for future punishment. De la Fuente’s condemnation now hangs over the Argentine camp as the football world waits to see whether the tournament's final moments will carry consequences beyond the trophy.