GENEVA (AP) — FIFA investigating Argentina’s post-match actions world cup During the final, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the incident was “unbearable and unacceptable.”
FIFA asked a committee. monday disciplinary prosecutor Report on the intense on-field confrontation after the match against Spain 1-0 win in overtime on Sunday Dethroning the defending champion.
Argentina’s midfielder Leandro Paredes got into a physical tangle with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gabi, while Spain’s captain Rodri hit Argentina’s defender Nahuel Molina in the stomach when he ran past him.
“This is unacceptable,” de la Fuente told Spanish public broadcaster TVE on Thursday, adding that she did not see the incident while “celebrating with others.”
“In any case, I think it’s intolerable and unacceptable coming from players of that level, who I’ve admired for a long time and have a great manager,” the Spanish coach said.
FIFA did not provide details of the investigators’ powers or whether they would be able to request witness statements from Spanish players and staff.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized on Wednesday, saying his confrontation with Dani Olmo was a push rather than a punch.
Coach praises Spain’s restraint
De la Fuente praised the players for how they handled the situation at MetLife Stadium in an interview with TVE.
“I want to emphasize our behavior when faced with such aggression and provocation,” the coach said. “Our players always remained calm and acted like true professionals.”
The Spanish team stood in a guard of honor as Argentina’s athletes made their way to the podium to receive their medals from US President Donald Trump. A few minutes later, as Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentina squad turned their backs for a ceremonial moment.
FIFA’s activity schedule is unclear
FIFA’s disciplinary rules allow the special prosecutor to “request the initiation of disciplinary proceedings and recommend the imposition of disciplinary measures against member associations, clubs or individuals”.
It is unclear when a potential suspension for the Argentine player would be enforced, as FIFA has not released a timeline for any incident and the team has no official matches scheduled for the next few months.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage
