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FIFA has issued a statement announcing that an investigation will be launched into the brawl that erupted following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain on Sunday.
A tense and ill-tempered match was ultimately decided by Ferran Torres's goal in the 106th minute. As the final whistle sounded, Spain's substitute bench flooded onto the pitch to celebrate, only to find themselves caught up in a violent altercation with their Argentine counterparts.
The defending champions are already under scrutiny for their post-semifinal celebrations against England, during which a banner claiming "Las Malvinas" — known as the Falkland Islands in the U.K. — was displayed. Now, multiple players could face additional sanctions for their conduct following the tournament's marquee match.
Which Players Were Involved?
Crazy scenes at full time. 👀#worldcupwithmicky #fifaworldcup pic.twitter.com/4h0ggz307a
The altercation appeared to have been ignited by Argentina right back Nahuel Molina. Footage broadcast by the BBC appears to show the defender striking Rodri in the stomach as the Spanish midfielder ran across the pitch at the final whistle.
While the two were engaged in a confrontation, Spain's Eric García intervened before Leandro Paredes charged in to even the numbers. The Argentina midfielder, who had endured a frustrating performance, quickly knocked Rodri to the ground and shoved Dani Olmo over within six minutes of coming on as a halftime substitute.
Whatever tensions had been building throughout the match erupted in the aftermath. Paredes appeared to grab García by the throat before turning his focus toward Gavi. By this stage, Argentina's Thiago Almada had entered the fray and was seen throwing the Barcelona midfielder to the ground. Paredes followed up with what appeared to be a lunge at the fallen Spain international.
With the intervention of several Argentina coaching staff members, the confrontation was eventually brought under control. Despite early reports suggesting otherwise, Paredes was not sent off after the final whistle, as FIFA confirmed to BBC Sport. Nevertheless, the prospect of severe penalties remains very much alive.
What Punishment Could Argentina's Players Face?
FIFA has referred the matter to a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor, who has broad authority to investigate any offense, not solely violent conduct. As outlined in FIFA's Disciplinary Code (FDC), the prosecutor can "propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals."
These disciplinary measures are intentionally broad. The FDC specifies a minimum three-match ban for violent conduct "or an appropriate period of time." It also notes that "additional disciplinary measures may also be imposed in all cases."
FIFA holds the authority to extend any ban globally and across all competitions. This was the penalty famously handed to Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez after he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup.
It seems most probable that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) will be hit with some form of financial penalty. The AFA was previously fined over $24,500 for the team's behavior following their 2022 World Cup victory for "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play."
When Will a Verdict Be Reached?
FIFA is not operating under any deadline. There is no set timeframe for the conclusion of this investigation.
Argentina does not currently have any upcoming fixtures on the schedule. The next international window is the first extended break in FIFA's revised calendar, with nations expected to play four matches between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6.
With no qualifiers for the 2028 Copa América on the horizon and FIFA yet to finalize the number of teams for the 2030 World Cup, Argentina's immediate attention will turn to friendly matches. Once competitive fixtures are added to the calendar, it remains to be seen which players will be available for selection.