Argentina face a Fifa investigation after a violent brawl erupted at the final whistle of the World Cup final, with Leandro Paredes shown a red card for grabbing Eric García by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground.
Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner had given Spain a 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but the match descended into chaos seconds later. Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain’s captain Rodri in the stomach as he ran across to celebrate, prompting Rodri to confront him. García rushed over to back up his teammate, and Paredes then jabbed García in the throat. Unused substitute Gavi tried to intervene but was forced to the ground by Thiago Almada, and Paredes pushed Gavi down again by putting his hand in the Spaniard’s face. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was seen holding García around the throat before appearing to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
“Fifa opens investigation into Argentina players after post-match brawl in World Cup final defeat to Spain.”
Referee Slavko Vincic initially showed Paredes a red card, but Fifa later confirmed to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken at the time. Enzo Fernández had already been sent off in second-half stoppage time for two bookable offences. Argentina players also turned their backs on Spain receiving their medals and lifting the trophy.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee has now appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the disciplinary code. Any player or coach involved could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined. The investigation also covers Argentina’s conduct after their semi-final win over England, when players celebrated with a banner proclaiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – a political statement that Fifa prohibits. Alan Shearer, commentating on BBC One, said: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.”