FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation against the Argentine national team for the serious incidents that occurred at the end of the 2026 World Cup, as reported by the British media Sky Sports News.
The organization will analyze the referee reports and the footage of the match before deciding whether to impose sanctions on several players and members of the coaching staff of the Albiceleste.
The final, held on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ended with a 1-0 victory for Spain in extra time, thanks to a goal from Ferrán Torres in the 106th minute.
Spain thus claimed its second World Cup, 16 years after the title in South Africa 2010.
But what happened after the final whistle unleashed an institutional crisis for Argentine football.
Paredes, the main suspect
The midfielder Leandro Paredes is the central focus of the investigation. He received a straight red card after the match for violent conduct following a sequence that began when the defender Nahuel Molina slapped Spanish captain Rodri Hernández as he ran to celebrate the title.
In the ensuing altercation, Paredes grabbed defender Eric García by the neck, and when Gavi approached to defend his teammate, the Argentine knocked him to the ground and pushed him onto the grass.
The violent reaction of the footballer was captured on video and went viral immediately.
The FIFA Disciplinary Code stipulates a minimum of three matches for violent conduct.
However, according to an analysis by Excélsior, the seriousness of the incidents could raise Paredes' sanction to between 10 and 12 official matches, a fine of up to $50,000, and disqualification for nearly the entirety of the South American Qualifiers.
Other individuals under investigation: from Ayala to Dibu Martínez
The investigation also extends to the technical assistant Roberto "Ratón" Ayala, who struck Dani Olmo during the brawl, an incident captured by fan footage.
According to Excélsior, Ayala faces a suspension of up to one year under the "acts of fact" article of the Disciplinary Code.
Three more players are being investigated ex officio:
-Thiago Almada, caught pushing and stepping on Gavi (risking four to six matches).
-Cristian "Cuti" Romero, for inciting violence and confronting the Spanish coaching staff (two to three matches).
Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, for insults directed at the referee team and gestures toward the crowd (minimum of two matches).
The trophy ceremony, also under scrutiny
FIFA will not limit its analysis to physical confrontations. According to Sky Sports, "in addition to the confrontations, the Federation will evaluate the behavior of the Argentine delegation during the trophy presentation ceremony, as several players turned their backs while Spain lifted the World Cup, a gesture that has sparked significant controversy."
This is, furthermore, the second investigation that the organization has initiated against the Albiceleste within a few days.
The first one was initiated after the semifinal against England, on July 16 in Atlanta, when several players displayed a banner with the message «The Falklands are Argentine», in violation of the regulation that prohibits political messages.
In that case, the most likely penalty is a financial fine to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) without any sporting consequences.
Paredes then defended the gesture before the BBC: "We did it because we are playing for our entire nation."
Deadlines and potential consequences
The AFA has a regulatory deadline to submit formal appeals and videos for defense, and final resolutions are expected before the first week of September.
There is also the risk that the Disciplinary Committee may classify the assaults as "extreme brutality," which would empower FIFA to extend the suspension to all competitions, including club matches, just as happened with Luis Suárez in the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Paredes does not come to this process without a history: at Qatar 2022 he kicked the ball at the Dutch bench, unleashing a massive brawl that resulted in a disciplinary file from FIFA against the AFA.
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