FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into the horrific scenes that marred Sunday’s World Cup final when several Argentine players and coaches clashed with members of the Spanish national team on the pitch.
Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Spain. RedThis is the second men’s World Cup, but the game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has already been disrupted by Argentine indiscipline: Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off by referee Slavko Vincic for a foul on Pau Kubarsi in stoppage time.
Late in the game, footage emerged of Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina hitting Spain’s Eric Garcia and Rodri, with Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also apparently hitting Dani Olmo.
Molina later overtook Rodri, who became the target of a verbal confrontation from his former Manchester City teammate Nicolas Otamendi.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players rushed to defuse the situation.
Leandro Paredes got into a fight with Eric Garcia after the final. Getty
And FIFA has now confirmed it has launched a disciplinary review to decide whether to take further action.
A FIFA statement said: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports from the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential violations by the FDC in relation to post-match incidents.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report is completed.”
Argentina’s Fernandez became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final since John Heitinga was dismissed while playing for the Netherlands in the 2010 final against Spain in Johannesburg, South Africa.