FIFA have launched an investigation into potential breaches of their disciplinary code after Argentina sparked violent scenes following World Cup final defeat to Spain.
A strange final in New Jersey was won 1-0 by Spain after extra time, with Ferran Torres the hero on 106 minutes.
The European champions were clearly the better side, limiting the South American kings to almost no offence, but Spain could not land the killing blow.
The Lionel Messi-led side did not produce a single shot in 90 minutes and didn’t manage one on target over 120 as they struggled to deal with Spain’s control.
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Argentina did try to make their presence felt by being very physical, as they always are, with Enzo Fernandez going too far and picking up two bookings in quick succession just before the 90 minutes came to an end.
Even after the match was over, the beaten players did not end the physicality, with Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina especially culpable.
Molina shoved Rodri as the Spain star celebrated, sparking a brawl in which Paredes lost what little control he possesses and chucked Gavi on the ground.
There was even a confrontation between Argentina coach Roberto Ayala and Dani Olmo which saw the former defender punch the Spain star.
FIFA have now looked into the match reports and have launched an investigation into the incidents.
A statement read: ‘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.
‘Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.’
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart slammed the behaviour of some of the Argentina players and staff, although noted that Lionel Messi had nothing to do with it.
‘There was a man on the pitch who did have class, and that was Lionel Messi who shook hands with each one of those Spanish players,’ Hart said on the BBC.
‘The game is done and Argentina can have no complaints over what happened today. It was disgusting behaviour. Rodri didn’t need to get in their faces but when you’ve been wound up for 120 minutes and you felt you’ve been wronged and you’ve got that win, leave it.
‘With Argentina, you’re not surprised they’ve crossed the line again.’