Argentina among nations punished by FIFA in post-World Cup review
By Tom Gott
FIFA have finalised their disciplinary proceedings from the 2022 World Cup, with winners Argentina among the nations to be hit with sanctions.
After a heated knockout clash against the Netherlands, Argentina also attracted controversy in the competition's final, with tensions boiling on the pitch and on the sidelines even before goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pulled out his finest wind-up tactics to inspire victory in the penalty shootout.
As a result, FIFA have confirmed they have opened an investigation into Argentina's conduct.
A statement read: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 11 (Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play) and 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as well as of article 44 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Regulations in conjunction with the Media and Marketing Regulations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, during the Argentina v. France FIFA World Cup™ final."
Argentina were not the only nation to attract the unwanted attention of FIFA, with a further four countries also facing punishments.
Ecuador were hit with a fine of 20,000 Swiss Francs and a partial stadium closure after offensive chants were heard in their opening fixture against Qatar.
Similarly, chants from Mexico fans in games against Poland and Saudi Arabia have led to charges of a 100,000 Swiss Francs and a one-game suspended stadium ban.
Serbia have been fined 50,000 Swiss Francs and forced to close 25% of their stadium for their next game because of offensive chants in their meeting with Switzerland, as well as seven players being booked during the game.
Finally, FIFA have opened an investigation into Croatia over allegations of discrimination and disorder against Morocco.