Gavi urges leniency for Argentina as FIFA probes World Cup final chaos

Spain midfielder Gavi has called on football’s authorities not to ban Argentina players over the explosive scenes that followed the World Cup final, even though he was himself floored in the post-match clashes.

Speaking at a civic ceremony in his hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca, the Barcelona star downplayed the storm surrounding the altercations that erupted after Spain’s triumph over Argentina in New York.

The comments came just hours after FIFA announced a formal disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct following their defeat in the final.

Gavi: ‘I don’t think they should be suspended’

Gavi, who was directly involved in the confrontations, made clear he did not want to see Argentina’s players hit with extended bans.

He was seen on television pictures rushing in to defend a Spain team-mate after the final whistle, before being shoved to the ground by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.

Despite that flashpoint, the 19-year-old refused to call for tougher action.

“If you’re honest, I don’t think they should be suspended,” he said, in remarks published on Tuesday by Spanish newspaper Marca.

“I understand that what happened doesn’t give a good image to children, but football also includes a side of contact and aggression. For me, it was normal that the player was sent off during the match, but in the end I see these things as part of football.”

Gavi’s comments contrast with calls in parts of the Spanish media for heavy sanctions after the fiery closing stages and post-match disorder that overshadowed Spain’s world title.

World champions honoured at home

The ceremony in Los Palacios y Villafranca was organised to honour Gavi and his Spain team-mate Fabian Ruiz after their World Cup success.

The pair, both born in the Andalusian town, were celebrated by local officials and fans following Spain’s victory over Argentina, which secured the national team another global crown.

The match itself had been tense and physical, with tempers boiling over at the final whistle as players and staff from both sides became embroiled in a series of scuffles on the pitch.

FIFA opens disciplinary investigation

Earlier on Tuesday, world football’s governing body confirmed it had opened proceedings against Argentina over possible disciplinary breaches linked to the final.

In a statement, FIFA said: “After evaluating the relevant match reports related to the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the code in relation to post-match incidents.

“Additional details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee upon conclusion of the prosecutor’s report.”

Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff are understood to be at risk of severe sanctions if found guilty of misconduct. The Argentine Football Association also faces the possibility of an additional financial penalty.

Wider scrutiny of behaviour on biggest stage

The probe places fresh scrutiny on player and staff behaviour in high-stakes matches, with FIFA under pressure to protect its disciplinary code and the image of the sport at its showpiece tournament.

While the governing body weighs potential punishments, Gavi’s stance injects a note of restraint into the debate, arguing that, within limits, confrontation and emotion are inseparable from elite football.

Further details of FIFA’s findings and any sanctions are expected once the appointed prosecutor submits a full report to the Disciplinary Committee.