Overview
- Televised scenes that followed Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium showed Leandro Paredes grab Spain’s Eric García by the throat and shove Gavi while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala clashed with Dani Olmo.
- FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor under article 36 of its code to review match reports and broadcast footage and to recommend possible sanctions.
- Ayala has issued a public apology, described his contact with Olmo as a shove rather than a punch, and said he will apologise in person for losing control after the match.
- Several Spain players including Gavi have urged leniency for the Argentine players involved, and Paredes has returned to Argentina and resumed training with Boca Juniors while the probe remains open.
- The investigation could lead to suspensions or fines for individuals or the Argentine federation but FIFA has given no timeline for decisions and no sanctions have been announced.