Argentina coach explains why he hit Spanish player in moment not caught on TV

Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has apologised after he was seen lashing out at Spain’s Dani Olmo in chaotic scenes after the World Cup final.

Argentina’s hopes of winning back-to-back World Cup titles were shattered at the weekend after the team lost 1-0 to Spain in a fairly lacklustre game that remained goalless until extra time.

However, there was plenty of drama to be seen after the final whistle with Argentina player Leandro Paredes spotted throwing ‘haymakers’ and the whole team being branded a ‘disgrace’ after turning their backs during Spain’s trophy lift.

Coach and former Argentina international Ayala was also involved in some on-pitch scrapping after the end of the game.

The moment wasn’t aired on TV but was shared online in clips recorded at the game by fans.

In the footage, the 53-year-old can be seen approaching Olmo and lashing out towards his face.

Ayala has now spoken out about the incident and has said he reacted to ‘something he [Olmo] said’ while insisting it was ‘more of a push’ than a punch.

Speaking to Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio, 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.

"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.

"It was a reaction to something he said, but that's it. If I see him, I'll obviously apologise to him in person."

He admitted that he let his emotions get the better of him and claimed that he had initially tried to separate players during the on-pitch confrontation.

"When the match ends, what I see is a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, and we rush over to get our players out of there," Ayala added.

"I take responsibility for what I've done. My intention was to go over and separate them, but sometimes things just happen and your heart's racing, though that’s no excuse.

"Eric Garcia was there too, and I simply told Eric that I'd gone over to separate them and congratulate them, that's all."

FIFA has since confirmed that it has launched an investigation into Argentina’s conduct at the World Cup final.

In a statement, FIFA said: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.

“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”

If FIFA finds any wrongdoing, players and coaching staff could be facing suspensions, Reuters reported.

While the Argentine Football Association could also be hit with a fine.

Alongside this, FIFA has also said it is ‘assessing match reports’ before deciding whether to take any further action against Argentina after players unfurled a banner claiming the Falkland Islands onto the pitch after their 2-1 win over England.

Where is the next World Cup?

Morocco, Portugal and defending champions Spain will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030, marking the football tournament’s 100th anniversary.

It’s set to run from 8 June 2030 to 21 July 2030, making it the longest World Cup in history at 44 days.

FIFA also announced that three separate matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, as a tribute to the first-ever World Cup back in 1930.

All six host nations will automatically qualify, which means we'll definitely be seeing Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in at least the group stages.

In Spain, matches will take place in Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, San Sebastian, Seville, Valencia, Vigo and Zaragoza.

In Portugal, stadiums in Lisbon and Porto have been earmarked, while the games in Morocco will be played in Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat and Tangier.

Plus the three special opening centenary games will be played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay; and the Estadio Osvaldo Dominguez Dibb in Asuncion, Paraguay.