Spain midfielder Gavi has called on FIFA not to suspend Argentina players despite the ugly post‐match clashes that marred the World Cup final in New York.
Speaking days after lifting the trophy with Spain, the Barcelona star played down the controversy and said he did not believe additional sanctions were necessary, even though he was himself pushed to the ground in the confrontation.
Gavi: ‘I don’t think they should be suspended’
Gavi was speaking at a ceremony in his hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca, where he and Spain team‐mate Fabian Ruiz were being honoured for their World Cup triumph.
The 20-year-old was directly involved in the heated scenes after the final whistle of Spain’s win over Argentina, intervening to defend a team‐mate before being shoved over by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Despite that, the Spain international refused to call for retrospective punishment.
He said: “اذا كنت صادقا، فانا لا اعتقد انهم يجب ان يعاقبوا بالايقاف”.
Gavi acknowledged the incident sent the wrong message to younger fans, but argued that a degree of aggression was part of elite football.
He added, in comments published on Tuesday by Spanish newspaper Marca: “اتفهم ان ما حدث لا يقدم صورة جيدة للاطفال، لكن كرة القدم تتضمن ايضا جانبا من الاحتكاك والعنف. بالنسبة لي، كان من الطبيعي ان يطرد اللاعب خلال المباراة، لكن في النهاية ارى ان هذه الامور جزء من كرة القدم”.
FIFA launches disciplinary investigation
Earlier on Tuesday, world governing body FIFA confirmed it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over possible breaches of its regulations following the final defeat to Spain.
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff could face “severe” sanctions if found guilty of misconduct linked to the post‐match fracas, while the Argentine Football Association risks being hit with another financial penalty.
In its official statement, FIFA said: “عقب تقييم تقارير المباراة ذات الصلة بنهايي كاس العالم بين اسبانيا والارجنتين، وتماشيا مع المادة 36 من قانون الانضباط بالفيفا، عينت لجنة الانضباط مدعيا عاما للانضباط والاخلاقيات للتحقيق في الانتهاكات المحتملة للقانون فيما يتعلق باحداث ما بعد المباراة. سيتم ابلاغ تفاصيل اضافية من قبل لجنة الانضباط بالفيفا فور الانتهاء من تقرير المدعي العام”.
The move follows referee and match delegate reports highlighting the disorderly scenes after full time, when tempers flared between players and staff from both benches.
Clashes overshadow Spain’s triumph
The confrontation on the pitch came at the end of a highly charged final, ultimately overshadowing Spain’s historic victory and prompting renewed scrutiny of player behaviour on the global stage.
Images from the New York stadium showed pushing, shouting and scuffles involving multiple squad members before officials and coaching staff intervened to separate the teams.
Gavi’s stance contrasts with growing calls in some quarters for FIFA to take a tougher line on indiscipline at major tournaments, particularly in matches watched by hundreds of millions worldwide.
While he accepted that Paredes’ actions merited an in‐game red card, Gavi framed the incident as part of football’s emotional and physical edge rather than grounds for long-term suspensions. His comments are likely to be noted by FIFA’s disciplinary panel as it weighs both the letter of its laws and the wider image of the sport.
Scaloni under renewed spotlight
The fallout has also revived scrutiny of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who has previously spoken emotionally about the pressures surrounding World Cup finals.
Local reports said Scaloni again broke down in tears when reflecting on the defeat and the chaotic aftermath, offering what was described as a frank admission about the way the occasion had unfolded for his side.
As FIFA’s investigation gathers pace, Argentina now face the prospect of entering their next international window under the cloud of possible bans and fines, while Spain’s young world champions attempt to move on from a night that was supposed to be defined solely by their football.
