FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over WC final

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Jan 23:50
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FIFA says it launched investigations against Argentina and Croatia over potential violations during the World Cup.

Lionel Messi lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after Argentina beat France in the final (Mike Egerton/AP)

FIFA announced on Friday that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for "offensive behavior" during their World Cup final win against France last month.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made an offensive gesture with his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy after the match, before being filmed in the dressing room mocking French star Kylian Mbappe.

FIFA indicated that Argentina had potentially breached rules regarding "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play" and "misconduct of players and officials."

In addition, the world football's governing body is also investigating the Argentine Football Association over breaching media and marketing regulations.

In a related context, the Croatian team is being investigated for potential violations of "discrimination" and "order and security at matches" rules.

Players appeared to sing a song with fascist connotations following their third-place play-off victory over Morocco.

Croatian Defender Dejan Lovren defended himself and his teammates, telling AFP that it was "a patriotic song which relates to my country, which means that I love my country."