FIFA has officially confirmed it has opened a full disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s disgraceful conduct during and after the World Cup final — and the consequences could be devastating for the entire squad.
The defending champions didn’t just lose to Spain. They humiliated themselves in front of the entire world. And now, they’re about to pay the price.
FIFA’s Official Statement That Rocked Football
FIFA released a bombshell statement confirming the investigation:
“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.”
The statement continued:
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
By appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, FIFA has signalled that it is considering more serious breaches than straightforward violent conduct.
The Shocking Footage That Sparked the Investigation
The footage that has shocked the world shows exactly what Argentina did after the final whistle:
Nahuel Molina appeared to punch Spain captain Rodri in the stomach as he ran past celebrating.
Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, threw punches, and pushed Gavi to the floor.
Thiago Almada forced unused substitute Gavi to the ground.
Assistant coach Robert Ayala held Garcia around the throat and struck Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Multiple players turned their backs during Spain’s trophy presentation.
Alan Shearer didn’t hold back:
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them. There is no place or space for that. We know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Gary Neville was equally scathing:
“It’s a disgrace. I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, but it’s been a disgrace.”
Joe Hart added:
“The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
The Punishments Argentina Now Faces
1️⃣ Player Bans Under Article 14
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, players found guilty of violent conduct face a minimum three-match suspension.
The same minimum ban applies for offences involving:
· Assault
· Elbowing
· Punching
· Kicking
· Biting
· Spitting
· Hitting an opponent or any person other than a match official
Players under investigation include:
· Nahuel Molina — struck Rodri in the stomach
· Leandro Paredes — grabbed Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the floor
· Thiago Almada — forced Gavi to the ground
· Roberto Ayala (Assistant Coach) — held Garcia around the throat and struck Dani Olmo
Enzo Fernandez was sent off during normal time for a second bookable offence.
2️⃣ AFA Faces Heavy Fines
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also risks being hit with another financial penalty for failing to control their players.
3️⃣ Falklands Banner Investigation — The Double Punishment
Argentina is already facing another disciplinary case linked to their 2-1 semi-final win over England.
After that match, several Argentina players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Falklands are Argentine”.
FIFA strictly prohibits political statements under Article 34.3 of tournament regulations. The AFA was fined £20,000 in 2014 for a similar banner.
The British government has urged FIFA to investigate, with some suggesting Argentina could face additional player sanctions for promoting the political message.
4️⃣ Article 13 — Offensive Behaviour
The investigation will also examine whether Argentina’s behaviour breached Article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which covers offensive behaviour and the principles of fair play.
This includes conduct deemed to violate “the basic rules of decent conduct” or behaviour that brings football or FIFA into disrepute.
FIFA previously relied on the same regulation when it banned former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales for three years after he kissed Jenni Hermoso.
The Red Card That Was Erased
Initial reports suggested Paredes had been shown a straight red card by referee Slavko Vincic.
However, the dismissal was later removed from FIFA’s official records. FIFA confirmed that no disciplinary action had actually been taken against the midfielder during the aftermath of the match.
As a result, any suspension or sanction for him would arise from the retrospective investigation.
The Triple Punishment Threat
Argentina is facing potential triple punishment:
1. Post-match melee — Player bans and AFA fines
2. Falklands banner — Additional financial penalties and possible player sanctions
3. Individual sanctions — For players promoting the political message
What Happens Now?
Argentina arrived at the World Cup as defending champions. They leave as villains.
They didn’t just lose the final. They lost their dignity, their sportsmanship, and now — potentially — some of their best players.
FIFA’s investigation is just the beginning. The punishments could be devastating.
Did Argentina get what they deserve? Should FIFA ban more players?
