Argentina will face an investigation into the ugly scenes at the end of the World Cup final, Fifa has confirmed. Fifa's disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle at MetLife stadium.
Any player or coach involved in the fracas could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined. Following their 1-0 defeat on Sunday, members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players as they began to celebrate their World Cup success.
Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appeared to be involved. It was initially reported by Fifa that Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic after he pushed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat.
Paredes' red card was removed from the record shortly afterwards and Fifa has confirmed to that no disciplinary action was taken at the time. Argentina had already had one player dismissed, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.
Fifa had already begun the process of potential disciplinary action against Argentina after their players held a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semi-final win against England.
What happened after the World Cup final?
As the final whistle blew in New Jersey, a few Argentina players - including Lionel Messi - slumped to the turf. Others stood there motionless as Spain's players raced across the pitch in jubilation.
Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, ran over from the dugout to join his team-mates. As the Manchester City midfielder went past Molina, the Argentina defender appeared to punch Rodri on the arm or stomach.
This was the fuse which ignited the trouble.
Rodri confronted Molina, but it was the Argentina player who thrust forward in an aggressive manner. Garcia ran over to back up his team-mate at which point Paredes got involved too, jabbing Garcia in the throat.
Unused substitute Gavi tried to intervene, only to be forced to the ground by Almada.
Paredes then pushed Gavi to the floor by putting his hand in the Spaniard's face.
Ayala then looked to be holding Garcia around the throat. He then appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face. He went for them,
