Argentina have already faced a hefty fine for their actions after winning the World Cup in 2022. Much talk has centred on what punishment La Albiceleste would face for the wild scenes after this year's final, with FIFA's disciplinary and ethics prosecutor appointed to review events. Yet the nation has been on the receiving end of a FIFA prosecution once before.
Argentina were slammed for the way they celebrated after beating France via spot-kicks in Qatar in December four years ago. They subsequently faced charges that were related to
"offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play"and
"misconduct of players and officials"
One instance centred on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made an obscene gesture with his Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. He was then filmed in the dressing room mocking France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina were ultimately slapped with an £18,300 fine but no action was taken against any player.
The aftermath of Sunday's World Cup final, in which Spain beat Argentina 1-0 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, is still unfolding.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page FIFA has initiated an inquiry into possible rule violations, selecting a prosecutor to review the chaotic scenes that followed the conclusion of Sunday's showpiece.
Angry clashes erupted at the final whistle. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes seemingly knocked Eric Garcia to the turf and then grabbed the Spanish defender's throat, before shoving Gavi down moments later, an action that initially earned the Argentine a red card. That sending-off was subsequently erased from FIFA's official logs, however. The governing body later clarified that no formal punishment was issued to the midfielder in the chaotic post-match period.
Additional turmoil occurred when Nahuel Molina seemingly swung at Rodri during the Spanish star's celebrations, while Argentine coach Roberto Ayala supposedly aimed a punch at Dani Olmo before Garcia intervened to separate them.
An official FIFA statement said:
“Following a review of the official match reports for the Spain versus Argentina FIFA World Cup final, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has tasked a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into possible FDC violations related to the post-match events.
“More information will be released by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor has finalised their report.”
Last week, FIFA also announced it is evaluating reports from the semi-final tie with England amid uproar over a Falkland Islands display.
Following their 2-1 victory over Thomas Tuchel’s side, the Argentine squad displayed a banner that stated:
'Las Malvinas son Argentinas'which translates to
'The Falklands are Argentine'
Players who earn their living in the Premier League, such as Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, ex-Spurs playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, have been criticised for the politically sensitive stunt and could also face personal penalties for holding up the banner.
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