Remember the absolute chaos that erupted after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey? The biggest shocker out of that wild scene might be this: Leandro Paredes, the guy who was smack dab in the middle of it all, was *not* sent off, despite what TV broadcasters like ITV and BBC reported. Now, Fifa has officially launched an investigation into the whole post-match melee, and things could get spicy.
The Post-Match Free-For-All
The final whistle blew on Sunday, and that’s when everything went sideways. Spain’s substitutes rushed the pitch to celebrate their victory, and Argentina’s players clearly weren’t having it. First, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina reportedly threw a punch into the stomach of Spain captain Rodri. Then Paredes jumped into the fray, escalating the madness. He went full throttle, grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat, shoving him to the ground, and then wrestling Spain’s Gavi to the turf, pushing into his face while still holding him by his substitute bib. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni even had to sprint across the field, trying to calm his losing squad down. It was a proper brawl.
Fifa Sources Confirm No Red, Investigation Underway
Even though multiple reports claimed Paredes saw red for his actions, Fifa sources have now told The Independent that’s just not the case. There’s no evidence from referee Slavko Vincic that any such disciplinary measure was made. Fifa’s own match centre for the final shows Paredes only picked up a yellow card earlier in the game, after coming off the bench at half-time. Interestingly, his Argentine teammate Enzo Fernandez *was* sent off, receiving a second yellow for catching Pau Cubarsi late in second-half stoppage time, sending the Spanish teenager flying. Now, Fifa has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to dig into potential breaches of the FDC regarding these post-match incidents. They’re not messing around.
“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,” a Fifa statement read. We’re all waiting for that report, because something tells me the full story of that final whistle chaos is just starting to unravel. Fifa confirmed that “further details will be communicated… once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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