FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation after post-match confrontations overshadowed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the World Cup final. The governing body will assess whether the incidents breached its disciplinary code before deciding on any further action.
The final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ended with Spain celebrating its second men’s World Cup title, but the scenes after the whistle drew immediate scrutiny. Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in confrontations with Spanish players on the pitch.
FIFA appoints prosecutor
FIFA said its Disciplinary Committee had appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor after reviewing the relevant match reports. The review will examine potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code under Article 36.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed,” FIFA said. The statement did not specify what sanctions, if any, could follow the investigation.
| Moment | People Involved | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 90th minute | Enzo Fernández, Pau Cubarsí | Fernández was sent off for a foul on Cubarsí. |
| 106th minute | Ferran Torres | Torres scored the goal that gave Spain a 1-0 win. |
| After the final whistle | Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Eric García, Rodri | Footage showed confrontations involving players from both teams. |
| Post-match confrontation | Roberto Ayala, Dani Olmo | Argentina’s coach was seen appearing to strike Olmo. |
Confrontations followed Argentina red card
Argentina’s discipline had already become a major factor before extra time, when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 90th minute. The dismissal came after his foul on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.
Fernández became the first player sent off in a World Cup final since Netherlands defender John Heitinga in 2010. That final was also against Spain, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In the aftermath of the match, footage showed Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina involved in clashes with Spain’s Eric García and Rodri. Molina later crowded Rodri, who was also confronted verbally by his former Manchester City teammate Nicolás Otamendi.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players moved in to calm the situation as tensions rose. ESPN reported that the post-match scenes involved both players and coaches before the confrontation was eventually defused.
Spain’s victory was sealed by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute after a tense final that had already been disrupted by Fernández’s dismissal. FIFA’s prosecutor will now prepare a report for the Disciplinary Committee, which will determine whether the incidents require further punishment.