FIFA has opened an investigation into the incidents that followed Spain’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup final after players from both teams clashed on the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In a statement released on Monday, July 21, football’s governing body said its disciplinary committee had appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FIFA disciplinary code stemming from the post-match scenes.
The governing body did not provide a timetable for the investigation or identify any players involved.
Video footage showed several Argentina players confronting members of the Spanish team as celebrations got underway after Sunday’s final, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Spain defender Eric García by the throat before pushing substitute Gavi to the ground as the midfielder attempted to intervene. Spain captain Rodri also seemed to be struck in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina as he ran to celebrate with his teammates.
Molina later confronted Rodri, who was also involved in a verbal exchange with Argentina veteran Nicolás Otamendi, his former teammate at Manchester City.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and several players stepped in to calm tensions and separate those involved.
“FIFA’s disciplinary committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code with regard to the post-match incidents, ” the organization said in its statement.
Read also : Spain defeat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win second World Cup title
The altercation came at the end of a tense final in which Spain secured a second World Cup title thanks to a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina.
The defending champions had been reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card.
Paredes was not shown a red card after the match, although FIFA’s investigation could still lead to disciplinary action against players involved in the incidents.
