FIFA launches disciplinary probe into post-match clash after Spain beats Argentina 1-0
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has opened an investigation into a melee that erupted following the World Cup final, focusing on Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes' actions.
FIFA announced that its Disciplinary Committee will examine the incidents that occurred after the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, which ended 1-0 in Spain's favour. The committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to assess whether any breaches of article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code took place.
Video from the match shows Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbing Spain's defender Eric García by the throat and later pushing Spain's midfielder Gavi to the ground. Other players were also seen pushing and shoving as the confrontation unfolded. Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni intervened to separate the players.
FIFA said it will review referee reports, official match documentation and the video footage before deciding if sanctions are warranted. If the investigation concludes that Paredes performed a chokehold, the code provides for an automatic red-card sanction.
"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."