FIFA to investigate Argentina's 'violent conduct' after 'punches thrown' in ugly scenes at World Cup final
FIFA has confirmed that it will investigate Argentina's players and staff after the ugly brawl which broke out following Spain's victory in the World Cup final yesterday.
Punches were thrown after Spain secured an extra-time victory against Argentina, who had already received a red card during normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off, while Leandro Paredes received a straight red after the final whistle after grabbing the throat of Eric Garcia.
Ferran Torres earned Luis de la Fuente's side their second World Cup star thanks to his extra time strike, after Spain had dominated the entire game against an Argentina side who were more focused on hurting their opposition than actually trying to score a goal, as they managed just one shot off target in 120 minutes.
And when the referee blew for full-time, it was perhaps always likely that Argentina players would try to grab hold of the Spanish players, having spent much of the last two hours chasing shadows.
Advert
Paredes, who somehow escaped a red card during the match, was one of the worst aggressors at full-time, as he not only assaulted Garcia but also his teammate Gavi, who was thrown to the ground by the Boca Juniors midfielder.
According to The Times, FIFA is now set to open disciplinary proceedings into the red card issued to Paredes with the role of other players and officials also set to be investigated.
Argentina certainly had a reputation for some underhand tactics, which is a shame given they have the best player in history in their side, with many England fans no doubt happy to see that Spain triumphed in New York yesterday.
Of course, it's not the first time this World Cup that Argentina have also run into trouble from FIFA, as their actions following the semi-final victory with a certain banner have also landed several players in hot water.
Footage at full-time also saw Nicolas Otamendi complaining to Manchester City midfielder Rodri about the actions of the Spain players, which seems a little hypocritical.
He is reported to have said: "You and [Aymeric] Laporte. Both of you,' he said to Rodri.
'You spent the time crying and complaining about the referees, my friend. But you shouldn't have spoken before the match, you know that? Didn't you see what he said this week?"
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.
Topics: World Cup
James Moorhouse