Jude Bellingham made a point of confronting referee Ismail Elfath after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, unseen footage of the exchange going viral. The Real Madrid star aired his grievances to Elfath, described as Lionel Messi’s favourite referee, moments before the final whistle sparked a melee that has now drawn a FIFA investigation.
Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final has also forced the South Americans to remove the gold crest from their shirts that marked them as world champions since Qatar 2022. The emblem, displaying an outline of the trophy and the words “FIFA World Champions 2022”, must be ceded to Spain, who will don it at the next World Cup co-hosted with Portugal and Morocco. Argentina can still keep a badge commemorating their 2024 Copa America victory.
“Jude Bellingham confronted the referee after England's World Cup semi-final loss, while Argentina face a FIFA probe over a brawl and must remove their gold crest.”
The post-match scenes at the MetLife Stadium were marred by a brawl involving Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Argentina coach Roberto Ayala. Contrary to belief at the time, Paredes was not shown a red card. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off for two yellow cards. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has now appointed a prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the disciplinary code. A FIFA statement said: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code, 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.” Retrospective punishments, including fines or suspensions, are possible.
Spain midfielder Gavi, who was grabbed by Paredes during the melee, said he does not want the Boca Juniors star to be suspended. “I don’t think [Paredes] should be suspended,” Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE. “I understand it’s not a good image.” Argentina’s combative style attracted further condemnation as they failed to relinquish the trophy or badge with any grace. The investigation looms over a team already forced to strip the gold from their shirts.
