The final whistle had barely faded at MetLife Stadium when the ugly scenes began. Spain were world champions, having beaten a bad-tempered Argentina 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres’s extra-time winner—but instead of handshakes, punches flew. Leandro Paredes jabbed Eric García in the throat, then shoved Gavi to the ground. Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri in the stomach. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was seen holding García around the throat before striking Dani Olmo. On BBC One’s coverage, Alan Shearer said: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.”
Fifa has now confirmed it will investigate. The disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess potential breaches of the Fifa Disciplinary Code regarding the post-match incidents. Any player or coach involved could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined. Paredes was initially shown a red card by referee Slavko Vincic, but Fifa later confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken at the time—the sending-off was removed from the record. Argentina had already had Enzo Fernández sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second yellow card.
“Fifa investigates Argentina after World Cup final brawl; Paredes, Molina among those facing possible bans.”
The scenes follow a separate Fifa investigation into Argentina’s conduct after their 2-1 semi-final win against England, when players celebrated with a banner proclaiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”—a political statement that Fifa prohibits. Both investigations could lead to bans and fines, with the governing body under pressure to “throw the book” at Argentina after they also turned their backs on Spain receiving medals and lifting the trophy. For the newly crowned champions, the joy of victory is overshadowed by a disciplinary process that threatens to sideline several Argentina players for future international matches.