The incidents took place at MetLife Stadium in New York and New Jersey after the final whistle, when several Argentina and Spain players, along with members of the coaching and backroom staff, became involved in a series of confrontations. FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last month to investigate the incidents.
Argentina were not the only side to have players punished. Spain midfielder Gavi has been handed a one-match suspension for his role in the confrontation and fined $30,000.
Argentina’s Thiago Almada has received the same punishment. He will also serve a one-match ban and pay a $30,000 fine.
FIFA has also taken action against Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala. He has been suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
The punishment extends beyond individual players and staff, with Argentina also facing sanctions. The national team will have to play their next two home matches at 50 percent stadium capacity, although one of those matches has been suspended.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has additionally been fined $321,000 for violations of several articles of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. The charges include using a sporting event to display non-sporting messages, misconduct by the team, and discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters.
Argentina had already found themselves at the center of controversy following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England. After the match, several Argentine players held up a banner claiming Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which are under British control.
Tensions escalated further after the final defeat to Spain. Once the match ended at MetLife Stadium, several Argentina players and team officials were seen arguing with Spanish players before the confrontation turned physical.
Given the seriousness of the incidents, FIFA launched a separate investigation into what happened. The disciplinary measures and fines announced now are the result of that investigation.
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