FIFA has taken disciplinary action against members of the Argentina national team following the heated scenes that occurred after the World Cup final.
The world football governing body reviewed the incidents that took place after the match at MetLife Stadium in New York and has now issued charges against several members of the Argentina camp.
The confrontation happened after Spain secured their second World Cup title with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra-time.
Spain Celebrate World Cup Triumph After Dramatic Final
The final was filled with intense emotions as both teams fought for football’s biggest prize.
Spain eventually secured victory through Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike, ending Argentina’s hopes of lifting the trophy.
The match had already been filled with tension before the final whistle, with Argentina finishing the regular period with 10 players after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the closing moments.
However, the biggest controversy came after the match when players and staff from both sides became involved in a heated confrontation.
After reviewing the incidents, FIFA identified Argentina defenders and midfielders Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes among those facing disciplinary action.
Molina received two charges related to assault. One charge concerns an alleged completed act, while another relates to an attempted act. He was also charged with unsporting behaviour.
Paredes, who was shown a red card after the final whistle before the decision was later overturned, faces three separate charges of assault.
The FIFA investigation highlights the organisation’s intention to protect discipline and respect during major international competitions.
Argentina coach Ayala was another member of the team affected by the disciplinary proceedings.
He was handed one charge of assault and one charge related to unsporting behaviour following the incidents after the final.
Ayala later publicly apologised during an interview with Valencia Capital Radio, admitting that his position required him to maintain control regardless of the circumstances.
He said: “Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions.”
Ayala explained that he believed the incident should now be left behind.
He added: “For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be.”
The Argentina coach insisted that his reaction came after something was said to him but accepted that he should handle such situations differently.
He continued: “It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”
Although Spain celebrated becoming world champions, one of their players also found himself facing FIFA disciplinary action.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi was charged with one count of unsporting behaviour.
His case means FIFA’s investigation was not limited only to Argentina, as the governing body also examined the conduct of players from the victorious Spanish side.
Former England striker Alan Shearer strongly criticised Argentina’s behaviour after the final.
Speaking on BBC, Shearer said the reaction from some Argentina players was unacceptable despite understanding the emotional difficulty of losing a World Cup final.
He said: “Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that.”
Shearer acknowledged that losing such an important match can be painful but insisted that players must show professionalism.
He 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.”
The former striker also suggested that Argentina had been involved in similar controversial reactions before.
He concluded: “Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
FIFA’s disciplinary investigation also extends beyond individual players.
The organisation has opened proceedings against the Argentine Football Association over a Falklands-themed banner displayed during the tournament.
After Argentina defeated England in the semi-finals, several players displayed a banner carrying the message: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”
The phrase translates as: “The Falklands are Argentine.”
FIFA is now examining whether the display breached tournament regulations and disciplinary rules.
The charges against Argentina players and staff underline FIFA’s strict approach toward behaviour during major international competitions.
The governing body continues to review incidents involving players, coaches and national associations to ensure that football maintains standards of respect and sportsmanship.
