FIFA takes action against Argentina, but red card previously issued in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium has been erased from records
FIFA launched an investigation into Argentina’s possible disciplinary violations following their loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incident that occurred after Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.
If found guilty, several Argentine players and coaching staff could face severe sanctions, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also risks new fines. “Following an evaluation of the relevant match report for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC in relation to post-match incidents, pursuant to article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” FIFA said in a statement.
“Further details will be provided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report is complete.”
The South Americans were again criticized for their physical approach in the 1-0 loss, with Enzo Fernandes sent off late in regular time for two offenses. After the match, Nahuel Molina punched Rodri in the chest as he ran past celebrating, and then Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala got into an argument with Dani Olmo.
Leandro Paredes was also sent off at the full-time whistle for grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, this dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records, and the governing body later confirmed in the aftermath of the match that no disciplinary action had actually been taken against the midfielder.
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Leandro Paredes punches Gabi after the World Cup final (Image: (Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images))
As a result, he could be suspended or sanctioned once a retrospective investigation is launched by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. FIFA also confirmed last week that it was assessing reports of the semi-final match against England following the controversy surrounding the Falkland Islands.
He has since broken his silence on social media, but has failed to apologize for his role in the uproar. Paredes said: “Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today I write this letter with a heavy heart because I have not been able to bring rich joy to our country.”
“But we are filled with pride to have given everything we have and to once again raise our flag at the top! Thank you to everyone who was a part of this national team.”
“To the players who gave their all to represent this shirt and fought for it until the last moment of each game! It was an honor to be part of the greatest Argentina national team of all time.”
After defeating Thomas Tuchel’s side 2-1, Argentina’s players celebrated by holding up a banner reading “Argentina, son of Las Malvinas”, or “The Falkland Islands are Argentina”. Players such as Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez could also face personal sanctions for displaying the banner.
Argentina celebrate by raising their flag after defeating England (Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Former England international Joe Hart described Argentina’s behavior after the final as “disgusting”. “There was one man with dignity on the pitch, and that was Lionel Messi. He shook hands with all the Spanish players. The game was over. They had no complaints about what happened. It’s a terrible thing.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney added: “Does that surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen something like this before against Argentina. It’s just not the reaction you want. It’s just not the reaction you want.”
“We saw the reaction after they eliminated England in the final round. It’s really sad. When you lose a football match, you want them to walk away gracefully. I really feel sorry for their attitude.”
However, Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina’s national team, insisted after the match: “We are tolerant of victories and we must be tolerant of defeats. Today we showed that we know how to lose. We lost the game and we accept that, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
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