FIFA has opened an investigation into the Spain-Argentina World Cup final, which was overshadowed by a post-match brawl involving players and coaching staff from both teams.
Seconds after the final whistle, Argentina’s Nahuel Molina confronted Spain captain Rodri, prompting Spain’s Eric García to intervene. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes then charged in, grabbing García by the throat and knocking him down, before turning on 21-year-old Gavi and wrestling him to the ground.
Coaches from both sides, including Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, rushed in to separate players. Paredes received a red card, adding to Enzo Fernández’s second-half sending-off during the match itself. Footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain’s Dani Olmo.
FIFA said it will review referee reports and match footage before deciding on further sanctions. Former players turned pundits, including Alan Shearer and Gary Neville, condemned Argentina’s conduct on air. Despite the chaos, Scaloni and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente shared a lengthy embrace at midfield afterwards, and Messi was seen congratulating Spanish players before the confrontation began.
Also read: PFIPC: Reps inaugurate investigative ad hoc committee today
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.