JUST IN: FIFA Delete Major World Cup Final Error as Argentina’s Disgraceful Scenes Could Lead to Heavy Sanctions

FIFA were forced into deleting a major error made on their commentator information system after Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final. La Roja were crowned world champions for the second time after Ferran Torres popped up with the winner in extra time in New Jersey.

Argentina finished the game with 10 men after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández was sent off for picking up two silly yellow cards in quick succession.

It appeared as though La Albiceleste had a second player sent off after the final whistle when Leandro Paredes completely lost his head and assaulted two Spain players.

The Boca Juniors midfielder had been cautioned early in the second half after coming on as a substitute.

But cameras spotted his angry antics after the game as he shoved and kicked Barcelona defender Eric García before grabbing him by the throat.

Paredes then set his sights on Gavi, aiming punches and throwing him to the floor as players from both sides steamed in.

While it was widely reported that Paredes had been dismissed by referee Slavko Vinčić for his behaviour, it has since been confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken.

As clarified by Dale Johnson of the BBC, FIFA’s commentator information system incorrectly reported Paredes’ dismissal before the error was deleted.

He took to X to explain the situation, writing: “A lot of accounts are misinterpreting the information I reported on Leandro Paredes. There was no rescinded red because there was no red card.

“It was incorrectly displayed on FIFA’s commentator information system and then deleted.”

Paredes was not the only player involved in the ugly scenes, as footage showed Nahuel Molina striking Rodri as he ran from the bench to celebrate with his teammates.

That action from the Atlético Madrid man appeared to spark the chaos, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was filmed striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

FIFA have opened an investigation into the fracas, with the governing body’s post-match disciplinary committee appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to analyse what happened.

Those involved are at risk of punishment, with the Argentine Football Association potentially facing a fine.

The prosecutor will determine whether Argentina fell afoul of Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which includes “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”

In addition, Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code lists the sanctions that can be imposed on players and staff.

Anyone found guilty of violent conduct will receive a minimum three-match suspension for the national team.

The same suspension applies to assault, including “elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponent or any person other than a match official.”

Speaking on BBC punditry, former England defender Joe Hart branded the behaviour of the Argentina players “disgusting,” while Alan Shearer said, “The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”

Argentina are also the subject of a separate probe over the display of a banner following their semi-final win over England.

The banner, carried onto the pitch and held by multiple players, read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”

The Falkland Islands are under British control, but Argentina continues to dispute sovereignty over the islands.

Argentina slammed for behaviour as Spain lifted the World Cup

Eventually, after the mayhem, the Argentina players calmed down and were given a guard of honour as they collected their silver medals.

However, when Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy, the Argentina players turned their backs on the trophy presentation and instead faced their supporters behind the goal.

Their perceived lack of sportsmanship drew criticism from many, including England legend Stuart Pearce.

“When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their backs to the trophy lift,” he said on talkSPORT.

“That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”

Co-host Adrian Durham also shared the same view, calling Argentina a “total embarrassment to the game” for their antics throughout the tournament.

He added: “Yeah, no class whatsoever. They’ve been absolutely shocking.

“They’ve been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think, have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, and also when Rodri went up to receive the Best Player of the Tournament award, the fans were singing Messi’s name and they were singing ‘Argentina’ as well.”