Overview
- Two Argentina players, Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, punched, shoved and grabbed multiple Spanish players immediately after Argentina’s 0–1 loss in the World Cup final.
- Video and eyewitness reports show Molina striking Rodri and pushing Eric García down while Paredes grabbed García’s neck and hit Gavi when he intervened.
- FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents and prepare a report that could lead to hearings and sanctions.
- Former players and pundits have urged harsh punishments, with Dietmar Hamann calling for twelve‑month bans for both Molina and Paredes.
- Paredes had been flagged for repeated hard challenges and provocation during the tournament, and the attacks risk lasting damage to Argentina’s reputation and the players’ careers.