The World Cup is over, with Spain beating Argentina on Sunday, July 19, in a dramatic overtime win with the score being 1-0. As the final whistle blew, chaos erupted on the field with players using a body part they aren’t usually allowed to use – their hands. Videos from the stands showed the emotional athletes getting physical, turning the celebration into something fit for a White House lawn UFC event.
With the chaos might come punishments. According to The Independent and Sky Sports News, FIFA has launched an investigation into Argentina’s conduct after Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.
The midfielder became involved in multiple confrontations with Spanish players, including Eric Garcia and Gavi, while defender Nahuel Molina appeared to lunge toward Spain captain Rodri during the celebrations.
© GettySky Sports also reported that Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to swing at Spain midfielder Dani Olmo, though FIFA has yet to announce whether any staff members will face sanctions.
The investigation could carry consequences beyond the automatic suspensions already handed out during the match, and possible disciplinary action against the Argentine Football Association.
Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, players dismissed for violent conduct can receive bans of at least three matches, with the governing body able to extend those punishments depending on the severity of the incident.
Players can also be sanctioned retrospectively if video evidence reveals misconduct that went unpunished during the game.
© GettyThat means Molina could still face disciplinary action despite avoiding a red card on the field if FIFA determines his actions warrant further punishment.
The Argentine Football Association could also find itself under scrutiny. FIFA’s disciplinary rules allow federations to be punished when multiple players engage in misconduct during a match or when a team’s behavior is deemed to have brought the sport into disrepute.
As noted by The Independent, the governing body is already reviewing another incident involving Argentina from earlier in the tournament. Following the team’s semifinal victory over England, several players celebrated with a banner reading, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentine”).
© GettyFIFA previously confirmed it was assessing reports from that match before deciding whether further action would be necessary. The disciplinary code gives the organization broad authority to impose sanctions it considers appropriate based on its investigation.
The post-match confrontation overshadowed Spain’s championship celebrations after tensions boiled over following the final whistle. It also did nothing to help the amount of hate Argentina has been receiving on social media.
A viral video showed Spain star Lamine Yamal praying on the ground after the match while the fight happened behind him. The comments are filled with things like “Argentina – terrible sportsmanship today, throughout the game and after,” “Argentina reminding the world why the world was rooting for Spain,” and “Goes to prove that Argentinians can’t take a loss …. Fans and players.”
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