FIFA issue statement on Argentina bust-up and RESCIND World Cup final red card

FIFA has launched an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches by Argentina following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The

world

governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the incidents that unfolded after Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium.

Several Argentina players and coaching staff members could now face severe sanctions if found guilty, while the Argentine

Football

Association (AFA) also risks another financial penalty. A statement from FIFA confirmed: “Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the

FIFA World Cup

final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.

“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”

The South Americans were again criticised over their physical approach during their 1-0 defeat, with Enzo Fernandez sent off for two bookable offences towards the end of normal time. Then, after the game, Nahuel Molina struck Rodri in the chest as he ran past him celebrating, and Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala was then involved in an altercation with Dani Olmo.

Leandro Paredes also appeared to have been sent off following the full-time whistle after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. However, the dismissal was later removed from FIFA's official records, with the governing body later confirming that no disciplinary action had actually been taken against the midfielder during the aftermath of the match.

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As a result, any suspension or sanction for him would arise from any retrospective investigation that may be opened by the FIFA disciplinary committee. FIFA also last week confirmed it is assessing reports from the semi-final against England following the controversy surrounding the Falkland Islands.

He has since broken his silence on social media, but failed to apologise for his part in the fracas. Paredes said: "Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves.

"But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.

"To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history."

After beating Thomas Tuchel’s side 2-1, Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' - 'The Falklands are Argentine'. Players including

Tottenham

defender Cristian Romero, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and

Manchester

United's Lisandro Martinez could also potentially face individual sanctions for displaying the banner.

Speaking after the final, former England international Joe Hart labelled Argentina’s behaviour 'disgusting'. He said: “There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was

Lionel Messi

, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players. The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened. Disgusting behaviour.”

While

Wayne Rooney

added: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want.

"We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”

But Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, claimed after the game: “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat. Today, we are showing that we know how to lose. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here."