FIFA has opened an investigation into the violent scenes that marred Spain‘s World Cup final victory over Argentina in the United States, after match officials sent off Leandro Paredes for his central role in the post-match brawl.
The match concluded with Spain securing their second World Cup title, but the achievement was overshadowed by fighting that erupted moments after referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle. Argentina midfielder Paredes was dismissed for attacking multiple opponents, though the result allows Spain to celebrate adding to their previous global triumph.
Sequence of violence
The trouble began near the halfway line when Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina struck Spain captain Rodri with an aggressive arm gesture. As the two players squared up, Spanish defender García ran over to intervene and prevent the confrontation from escalating.
Paredes then entered the fray, sprinting across the pitch to attack García and sending him to the ground. Despite the assistant referee’s attempts to separate the pair, the Argentine grabbed García by the throat. The situation required Argentina’s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, to encircle García and shield him from their own teammate’s continued aggression.
The midfielder subsequently turned his attention to Gavi, pushing and pulling the 21-year-old before throwing him to the ground. Argentina substitute Thiago Almada also became involved in the fracas, ripping the Spanish midfielder’s training bib.
Disciplinary proceedings
Vincic showed Paredes a red card following the final whistle, and FIFA has confirmed it will investigate the post-match scenes before determining whether further disciplinary action is necessary. The governing body will review footage of the incidents involving Molina, Paredes and Almada.
Spain celebrated winning the World Cup for the second time in the country’s history, cementing their status among international football’s most successful nations. However, the violent conclusion to the match has drawn immediate scrutiny, with the sport’s governing body set to decide whether to impose additional sanctions beyond Paredes’s dismissal.