Argentina have been punished once by FIFA already. (Image: Getty Images)
Argentina are under the microscope but not for the first time, as FIFA launch an investigation into their conduct following the 2026 World Cup final. They may receive a punishment after numerous fights erupted at full-time of Spain’s victory in the final, a situation Argentina are familiar with.
Lionel Scaloni’s team had been similarly criticised four years ago, when they lifted the trophy in Qatar, as their conduct and celebrations were scrutinised. They were charged in relation to “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials” at the time.
One particular incident involved Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who performed an obscene gesture with his Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. He was later captured on camera in the dressing room appearing to mock France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina were eventually handed an £18,300 fine, though no individual player faced disciplinary action. The fallout from Sunday’s World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, continues to develop.
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FIFA has launched an investigation into potential rule breaches, appointing a prosecutor to examine the turbulent scenes which erupted after Sunday’s showpiece concluded.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes appeared to knock Eric Garcia to the ground before grabbing the Spanish defender by the throat, then pushing Gavi down seconds later, an incident that initially resulted in the Argentine receiving a red card.
That dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records, however. The governing body subsequently confirmed that no formal sanction was handed to the midfielder amid the chaotic scenes following the match.
Emi Martinez celebrating after the 2022 World Cup final (Image: PA)
Further disorder unfolded when Nahuel Molina appeared to lash out at Rodri during the Spanish star’s celebrations, while Argentine coach Roberto Ayala allegedly threw a punch at Dani Olmo before Garcia stepped in to pull them apart.
An official FIFA statement said: “Following a review of the official match reports for the Spain versus Argentina FIFA World Cup final, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has tasked a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into possible FDC violations related to the post-match events.
“More information will be released by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor has finalised their report.”
Last week, FIFA also confirmed it is examining reports from the semi-final clash with England following controversy over a Falkland Islands display. Following their 2-1 triumph over Thomas Tuchel’s side, the Argentine squad unfurled a banner bearing the words: ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates to ‘The Falklands are Argentine’.
Premier League-based players, including Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, ex-Spurs playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez, have faced fierce criticism over the politically charged gesture and may also be handed individual sanctions for their involvement in displaying the banner.