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As FIFA investigates Argentina’s conduct after the World Cup final, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has described the incidents as “intolerable and unacceptable.”
FIFA on Monday asked one of its disciplinary prosecutors to report on the irritating on-field clashes after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory on Sunday to dethrone the defending champion.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes became physically entangled with Spanish players Eric García and Gavi, and Spanish captain Rodri was hit in the stomach as he ran past Argentine defender Nahuel Molina.
“It cannot be allowed,” De la Fuente told Spanish public television TVE on Thursday, adding that he did not see the incidents at the time while he was “celebrating with other people.”
“In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable on the part of players of that caliber, whom I had been praising in the previous days and who have a magnificent coach,” said the Spanish coach.
FIFA has not given details about the mandate of its investigator, or whether witness statements could be requested from Spain’s players and staff.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized on Wednesday for his confrontation with Dani Olmo, which he described as a push and not a punch.
The coach praises Spain’s moderation
In the interview with TVE, De la Fuente praised his players for how they managed the situation at MetLife Stadium.
“I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that type of aggression and provocation,” said the coach. “Our players always maintained their composure and behaved like true professionals.”
The Spanish team made a guard of honor for the Argentine players who went to the podium to receive their medals from the president of the United States, Donald Trump. Minutes later, when Rodri raised the trophy, most of the Argentine squad turned their backs on the ceremonial moment.
Unclear schedule for FIFA action
FIFA’s disciplinary rules allow a special prosecutor to “request the opening of disciplinary proceedings and propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals.”
FIFA did not give a timetable for either case and it is unclear when potential sanctions would be applied to the Argentine players, as the team has no competitive matches scheduled for the coming months.
Information from The Associated Press.
