FIFA opens probe after Spain and Argentina final clash
Football’s governing body is investigating post-match incidents after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation after the World Cup final ended with confrontations involving members of Argentina’s squad and staff and Spain’s players, according to the governing body.
Spain had just beaten Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute to win La Roja’s second World Cup. The match had already turned tense before the final whistle, with Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández sent off in the 90th minute.
Referee Slavko Vincic dismissed the Chelsea player for a foul on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, ESPN reported. Fernández became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final since John Heitinga was shown red for the Netherlands against Spain in the 2010 final in Johannesburg.
The post-match flashpoint is now in FIFA’s hands. ESPN reported that footage emerged after the final appearing to show Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina hitting Spain’s Eric García and Rodri. The report also said Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was seen striking Dani Olmo.
FIFA said its disciplinary process began after officials reviewed the relevant match reports from the Spain-Argentina final. The governing body said the case is being handled under article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
According to FIFA, its Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to examine possible breaches of the code connected to the incidents after the match. FIFA said more information will be released once the prosecutor’s report is finished.
The ESPN report did not include comments from Paredes, Molina, Ayala, the Argentina team or the Argentina federation regarding the incidents described in the footage.
The investigation adds a disciplinary cloud to a final that delivered Spain another world title through Torres’ extra-time winner. Argentina, reduced to 10 men late in normal time, held out until the 106th minute before Spain found the goal that decided the tournament.
FIFA has not announced any sanctions. Any next step will depend on the findings of the prosecutor assigned by the Disciplinary Committee, based on the match reports and evidence tied to the post-match scenes.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.