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As FIFA investigates Argentina’s behavior after the World Cup final, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called the incidents “intolerable and unacceptable.”
FIFA on Monday asked one of its disciplinary prosecutors to report on tough on-pitch confrontations following Spain’s 1-0 overtime victory Sunday to dethrone the defending champion.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes got physically mixed up with Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi, and Spain captain Rodri was hit in the stomach while running in front of Argentina defender Nahuel Molina.
“This 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 this intolerable and unacceptable from players of this caliber, whom I had praised a few days before and who have a magnificent coach,” declared the Spanish coach.
FIFA gave no details about its investigator’s mission, or whether witness statements might be sought from Spanish 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.
Coach praises Spain’s restraint
De la Fuente praised his players in the TVE interview for the way they handled the situation at MetLife Stadium.
“I want to highlight our behavior in the face of this kind of aggression and provocation,” the coach said. “Our players always kept their cool and behaved like true professionals.”
The Spanish team held a guard of honor for the Argentine players who walked to the podium to receive their medals from US President Donald Trump. A few minutes later, when Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentine team turned their backs during the ceremony.
Unclear timetable for FIFA action
FIFA’s disciplinary regulations 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 has not given a timetable for any case, and it is unclear when possible bans for Argentine players would apply, as the team has no competitive matches scheduled in the coming months.
Associated Press reporting.
