FIFA have launched an investigation into Argentina’s behaviour in the World Cup final.
Football’s governing body announced it has “opened proceedings” against Lionel Messi and Co for potential violations of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
The statement read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Regulations in conjunction with the Media and Marketing Regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, during the Argentina v. France FIFA World Cup final.”
Following their dramatic shootout victory over France in the final, many were critical of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez used the dark arts to get into the heads of the French players – a tactic which ultimately paid dividends as his nation won the shootout.
But it was his antics after the final whistle which caused the most controversy.
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During the award ceremony, Martinez made a crude gesture with the Golden Glove award.
In the celebrations in the dressing room, Martinez also called for a minute’s silence for Kylian Mbappe.
This continued at the trophy parade back in Argentina.
The ex-Arsenal stopper was spotted holding a baby doll with a picture of Mbappe’s face.
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And now, almost one month after the final, Argentina’s FA could face a sizeable fine over their conduct.
Argentina was not the only nation in Fifa’s cross hairs following the tournament.
Sanctions have already been levelled towards Mexico due to discriminatory chanting, which resulted in an £88,000 fine and the order to play one game behind closed doors.
Serbia and Ecuador also faced punishment, with both being hit with partial stadium closures for breaching the discrimination clause, though Serbia also broke the misconduct clause.
This also landed Serbia a fine of £44,000, while Ecuador were handed a fine just under £18,000.
2018 finalists and third placed nation Croatia have also had an investigation opened against them for their own conduct against Morocco.
The charges against Croatia refer to “potential violations of articles 13 (discrimination) and 16 (order and security at matches) of the Fifa disciplinary code.”
Tottenham star Cristian Romero hit back at critics of Argentina’s antics.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “Yes (people make too much of it). Only because people just see the photos.
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“People don’t think about what was said before for us to get to this point. Against Holland, they spoke too much before actually entering the pitch and we were annoyed with that.
“They said we lacked respect but that’s not true. You can understand what would go on to happen.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
