Argentina has already been sanctioned by FIFA once. (Image: Getty Images)
Although Argentina is under scrutiny, it is not the first time that FIFA has launched an investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the 2026 World Cup final. They could face punishment after a number of brawls broke out in the closing minutes of Spain’s victory in the final, a situation Argentina are well aware of.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were similarly criticized four years ago, when their actions and celebrations were scrutinized and celebrated when they lifted the trophy in Qatar. They were charged at the time in connection with “offensive conduct and breach of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct by players and officials”.
One particular incident involved Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making an obscene gesture while accepting the tournament’s best goalkeeper award. Later, he was caught on camera mocking French striker Kylian Mbappé in the dressing room.
Argentina were ultimately fined £18,300, but no individual players were disciplined. The fallout from Sunday’s World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, continues to unfold.
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FIFA has launched an investigation into possible rules violations and appointed a prosecutor to investigate the chaotic scenes that erupted after Sunday’s show.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to push Eric Garcia to the ground, then grabbed the Spanish defender by the throat and pushed Gavi down seconds later, an incident that initially resulted in the Argentine receiving a red card.
However, this dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records. Amid the post-match chaos, the governing body later confirmed that no formal sanction had been handed down to the midfielder.
Emi Martinez celebrating after the 2022 World Cup final (Image: PA)
There was further confusion when Nahuel Molina appeared to lash out at Rodri during the Spanish star’s celebrations, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala allegedly threw a punch at Dani Olmo before Garcia intervened to separate them.
An official FIFA statement said: “After reviewing the official match report of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has ordered the Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in relation to the post-match incident, in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).”
“Further information will be released by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s office has completed its report.”
FIFA also confirmed last week that it was investigating reports from the semi-final match against England following controversy over the display in the Falkland Islands. After their 2-1 victory over Thomas Tuchel’s side, the Argentina national team unfurled a banner reading “Argentina, Son of Las Malvinas”, meaning “Falkland Islands are Argentina”.
Premier League-based players, including Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, former Spurs playmaker Giovani Lo Celso and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, have faced intense criticism over politically charged behavior and could face personal sanctions for their involvement in the banner display.
