FIFA investigates Argentina players after on-field brawl following World Cup final - ABC7 Los Angeles

What the report says

KABC-TV, citing Associated Press reporting, said FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation Monday after post-match confrontations followed Spain’s World Cup final victory over Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The incidents occurred after Spain won Sunday’s final 1-0 in extra time and began celebrating the title.

According to the report, video replays showed multiple players in a brief on-field scuffle. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was among those involved and appeared to put his hand near the throat of Spain defender Eric Garcia before pushing Spain substitute Gavi down when he intervened. The report also said Spain captain Rodri appeared to be struck in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who later moved close to Rodri during a confrontation involving Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi.

FIFA said its disciplinary committee had assigned a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to look into possible violations of its disciplinary code related to the post-match events. The statement did not provide a timeline and did not identify individual players. KABC/AP noted that Paredes was not shown a red card after the final, but disciplinary action could still be possible depending on the outcome.

The report said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players moved in to calm the situation. Argentina had played the end of regulation with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time. KABC/AP also reported that Argentina’s players faced their supporters, with their backs to the podium, as Spain lifted the trophy, after Spain had earlier formed a guard of honor for Argentina’s medal presentation.