Fifa has confirmed it is investigating the ugly scenes that erupted at the end of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium.
The governing body’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the incidents that followed the final whistle.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to claim the World Cup, but the celebrations were marred by a series of confrontations involving Argentine players and backroom staff.
Nahuel Molina appeared to punch Manchester City midfielder Rodri on the arm or stomach as he ran past to join his celebrating team-mates, which appeared to ignite the trouble.
Leandro Paredes got involved when Eric Garcia ran over to back up Rodri, jabbing the Spain defender in the throat in a moment caught clearly on camera.
Unused substitute Gavi attempted to intervene, only to be forced to the ground by Thiago Almada, before Paredes pushed Gavi to the floor with his hand in the Spaniard’s face.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to hold Garcia around the throat before seemingly striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo during the chaotic scenes.
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them,” Alan Shearer said on BBC One’s coverage. “There is no place or space for that.”
Shearer added: “We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Joe Hart was equally damning in his assessment, saying: “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who attempted to calm the situation, appeared to play down the incidents during his post-match interview, saying: “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.”
Any player or coach found to have been involved in the fracas could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association may also be fined by Fifa.
Article 13 of Fifa’s disciplinary code covers offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play, meaning players and staff could be judged as having brought the sport into disrepute.
The disciplinary and ethics prosecutor will consider both aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and has the power to enforce bans that apply globally across all football.
Fifa previously used this clause against then-Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who was banned for three years after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win.
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez also served a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, forcing him to miss nine Premier League games.
It is considered unlikely that Molina, Paredes, Almada, and Ayala will face suspensions as lengthy as those precedents suggest.
This is not the first time the AFA has faced scrutiny at a major tournament, with Argentina charged over behaviour following the 2022 World Cup final, resulting in a fine of just £18,300.
Argentina are also already facing a probable fine after their players held a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England earlier in the tournament.
Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, and Lisandro Martinez were among those seen holding the banner, and Fifa could potentially issue bans to those specific players involved.
There is no set timescale for the disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to complete the investigation, with past cases taking upwards of two months before conclusions are reached.
