FIFA is investigating the conduct of Argentina's national team following the World Cup final, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente describing the incidents as "intolerable and unacceptable."
On Monday, FIFA asked one of its disciplinary prosecutors to report on tense on-field confrontations after Spain's 1-0 extra-time win on Sunday, which dethroned the defending champion. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes physically clashed with Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Spain captain Rodri was hit in the stomach as he ran past Argentina defender Nahuel Molina.
"It cannot be allowed," De la Fuente told Spanish public broadcaster TVE on Thursday, adding that he did not see the incidents at the time as he was "celebrating with other people." "In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that caliber, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach," the Spain coach said.
FIFA has given no details of the remit for its investigator or whether witness statements could be sought from Spain players and staff. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized on Wednesday for his confrontation with Dani Olmo, which he described as a shove and not a punch.
De la Fuente praised his players in the TVE interview for how they handled the situation at MetLife Stadium. "I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation," the coach said. "Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals."
The Spain squad stood in a guard of honor for Argentina players walking to the podium to receive their medals from US President Donald Trump. Minutes later, when Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentina squad turned their backs on the ceremonial moment.
FIFA disciplinary rules allow a special prosecutor to "request the opening of disciplinary proceedings and propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals." FIFA gave no timetable for any cases, and it is unclear when any potential bans for Argentina players would apply as the team does not have competitive games scheduled in the coming months.
Source: www.aljazeera.com