De la Fuente brands Argentina’s World Cup final fallout intolerable as FIFA probes

GENEVA (AP) — With FIFA examining Argentina’s behaviour after the World Cup final, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has labelled what followed the match “intolerable and unacceptable.”

On Monday, FIFA directed one of its disciplinary prosecutors to assess the tense on-pitch exchanges that followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory on Sunday, which ended Argentina’s reign as champions.

During the flare-up, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes became involved in physical exchanges with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Spain skipper Rodri took a blow to the stomach as he passed Argentina’s Nahuel Molina.

“It cannot be allowed,” De la Fuente said Thursday on Spanish public broadcaster TVE, noting he missed the episodes himself because he was “celebrating with other people.”

“In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent coach,” he said.

FIFA has not clarified the investigator’s brief, including whether Spanish players or officials might be asked for statements.

On Wednesday, Argentina assistant Roberto Ayala said sorry for his clash with Dani Olmo, insisting it was a shove rather than a punch.

Speaking to TVE, De la Fuente also saluted how his side responded at MetLife Stadium.

“I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation,” he said. “Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals.”

Spain’s players formed a guard of honour as Argentina walked to the podium to receive medals from US President Donald Trump. Shortly afterwards, as Rodri raised the trophy, most of the Argentina contingent turned away from the ceremony.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, a special prosecutor may “request the opening of disciplinary proceedings and propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals.” No timeline has been given, and any suspensions for Argentina players would sit in limbo for now because the side has no competitive fixtures lined up in the months ahead.