Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has admitted he “cannot allow” his emotions to spill over, after apologising for his role in a post-match confrontation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo that has prompted a Fifa disciplinary investigation.
The incident occurred in the immediate aftermath of Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, when chaotic scenes unfolded on the pitch following the final whistle.
Television images captured Ayala – a member of Lionel Scaloni’s backroom staff – moving towards Olmo amid a melee involving players and staff from both sides. Social media footage circulating since the match appears to show Ayala making contact with the Spain midfielder.
Fifa has since opened disciplinary proceedings over the confrontation, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the conduct of everyone involved. Sanctions could include suspensions for individuals and a fine for the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Ayala: ‘Of course I’m sorry’
Speaking to Valencia Capital Radio on Wednesday, Ayala publicly expressed regret for his actions and said his behaviour did not reflect the standards expected of his role.
“Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions,” he said.
“For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be.
“It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”
The 51-year-old former Argentina defender stressed that he had initially rushed towards the incident with the intention of calming tensions and removing his players from the fray.
‘Your heart’s racing, though that’s no excuse’
Ayala described a highly charged atmosphere on the pitch once the final whistle blew on Spain’s narrow victory, with emotions running high after a fiercely contested match.
“When the match ends, what I see is a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, and we rush over to get our players out of there,” he explained.
“I take responsibility for what I’ve done. My intention was to go over and separate them, but sometimes things just happen and your heart’s racing, though that’s no excuse.”
He also recounted speaking to Spain defender Eric Garcia in an attempt to clarify his role during the flashpoint.
“Eric Garcia was there too, and I simply told Eric that I’d gone over to separate them and congratulate them, that’s all.”
Players under scrutiny as Fifa weighs sanctions
The post-final clash involved several players from both sides. Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada were seen in the thick of the confrontation, while teammate Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat.
Fifa’s disciplinary unit will now study video evidence and match officials’ reports to determine whether players and staff breached regulations relating to conduct, fair play and bringing the game into disrepute.
Those found to have committed offences could face suspensions from future international fixtures, while the AFA may be hit with a financial penalty if the national team is judged collectively responsible for failing to control its players and staff.
No timeline has yet been set for the outcome of the investigation, but Fifa’s decision will be closely watched given the high-profile nature of the World Cup final and the governing body’s push to clamp down on violent or unsporting behaviour on and off the pitch.
Ayala, who played in three World Cups for Argentina, insisted his apology was sincere and reiterated that he wanted the matter to be concluded swiftly.
“For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that,” he said, as Fifa’s probe continues.
