Roberto Ayala says he is “regretful” and ready to apologise personally to Spain’s Dani Olmo after a post‐match confrontation that turned the 2026 World Cup final pitch into a scene of chaos and clashes.
The Argentina assistant coach – and long-time right-hand man to Lionel Scaloni – broke his silence for the first time since the incident, which erupted following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
Speaking to Valencia Capital Radio, the former Valencia captain admitted his behaviour did not befit his role and said he accepts responsibility for his actions, even as world governing body FIFA launches a wide-ranging disciplinary investigation into the post-match disorder.
‘I am regretful’ – Ayala breaks silence
Ayala, 55, acknowledged that he had allowed emotions to get the better of him in the aftermath of Argentina’s defeat.
“نادم.. بسبب المنصب الذي اشغله لا يمكنني ان اسمح لمشاعري، او لما قد اتلقاه من الطرف الاخر، بان يغير مزاجي ويتحكم في تصرفاتي. لذلك انا نادم”، قال ايالا.
The former Racing Club defender stressed he is prepared to apologise face to face to Olmo, who was involved in one of the most controversial flashpoints on the pitch after the final whistle.
“كان رد فعل على كلام قيل لي، لكن انتهى الامر.. اذا قابلته بالطبع ساعتذر له شخصيا”، اضاف ايالا.
‘It was a push, not a punch’
Ayala declined to reveal what was said to him in the heat of the moment but played down the severity of his own actions, amid footage and reports suggesting a physical altercation.
“بالنسبة لي يجب ان نقطع الامور ونتركها هناك. كان الامر مجرد دفعة اكثر من كونه اي شيء اخر، لم تكن لكمة كما يحاول البعض ان يصورها”، اوضح اسطورة فالنسيا السابق.
He insisted he does not want the episode to overshadow the match itself or define his conduct, emphasising that he views the clash as an isolated reaction rather than a deliberate attack.
‘I went in to separate players, not to inflame things’
Ayala also tried to explain why he found himself at the centre of the confrontations on the pitch, saying his initial intention was to calm tensions between players from both sides.
“انه امر موسف ويجب ان نتحمل مسوولية افعالنا داخل الملعب. عندما انتهت المباراة رايت شجارا في وسط الملعب، فحاولنا الذهاب لابعاد لاعبينا وانهاء الامر بهذه الطريقة، لاننا لسنا هكذا”، قال ايالا.
He accepted, however, that his role as a senior member of the Argentina staff obliges him to exercise more restraint, particularly in moments of intense pressure.
“اتحمل مسوولية ما فعلته، نيتي كانت الذهاب والفصل بين اللاعبين، تلك كانت نيتي الحقيقية”، اكد مساعد سكالوني.
“احيانا تواجه امورا تحدث ونبضات قلبك تكون في اقصاها، وهذا ليس عذرا، وبسبب منصبي يجب ان يكون سلوكي مختلفا مهما كان ما اسمعه، ايريك جارسيا كان هناك ايضا وقلت له ببساطة انني دخلت لافصل واهني فقط”، اضاف.
FIFA opens full disciplinary investigation
Ayala’s comments come as FIFA has announced a comprehensive disciplinary probe into all incidents that followed the 2026 World Cup final, not limited to the confrontation between the Argentina assistant and Olmo.
The investigation will examine a series of flashpoints that marred Spain’s title celebrations, including a separate incident in which Argentina defender Nahuel Molina is alleged to have struck his team-mate Rodrigo De Paul – referred to locally as “رودري” – at the beginning of Spain’s trophy festivities.
FIFA has appointed a special investigator to review video evidence, referee and match delegate reports, and any additional submissions from the Spanish and Argentine football associations.
Sanctions could range from fines and touchline bans for individuals to broader disciplinary measures, depending on the findings of the inquiry.
Legacy of a volatile final
The scenes at the end of the final have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a showcase conclusion to the expanded 2026 World Cup.
For Ayala, a respected figure from his playing days at clubs including Valencia and Racing, the fallout has now become as much about personal accountability as sporting disappointment.
By publicly expressing remorse and signalling his willingness to apologise directly to Olmo, Ayala has taken the first step towards drawing a line under one of the most talked-about controversies of the tournament – even as FIFA’s investigation ensures the matter is far from closed.
