FIFA have confirmed a surprise decision over Argentina’s Leandro Paredes after the midfielder’s shocking antics following Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

Paredes and some of his Argentina teammates failed to cover themselves in glory after the final whistle was blown at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Argentina will now be investigated for their post-match conduct after FIFA’s disciplinary committee appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened following Spain’s 1-0 victory.

Paredes, along with Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, all appeared to be involved in the post-match altercations.

Molina appeared to punch Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament and now finds himself in contention for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, after the midfielder ran from the dugout to join his teammates.

Spain’s Eric Garcia was pushed in the throat by Paredes, while unused substitute Gavi was forced to the ground by Almada.

Gavi was then pushed to the turf by Paredes, while former Argentina defender Ayala appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo after holding Garcia around the throat moments earlier.

Mike Segar via Action Images/Reuters

“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them,” ex-England international Alan Shearer said on BBC One’s commentary. “There is no place or space for that.

“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”

FIFA Confirm Surprise Paredes Decision

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

It was widely reported that Paredes, who replaced Nicolas Gonzalez at half-time, was sent off after the final whistle by referee Slavko Vincic.

The Boca Juniors midfielder appeared to become the second Argentina player to be shown a red card after Enzo Fernandez was dismissed in second-half stoppage-time for two bookable offences.

But in an unexpected twist, Paredes’ red card was removed from the record shortly afterwards.

FIFA have now confirmed to BBC Sport that, contrary to reports, no disciplinary was taken against Paredes at the time.

While retrospective disciplinary action against Paredes is likely to follow as FIFA begin their investigation, the Argentine did not become the seventh player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final, despite his push on Garcia in full view of referee Vincic.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was not involved in the post-match altercations, but the 39-year-old has still received criticism for his conduct in the final after demanding action against Spain defender Marc Cucurella for briefly covering his mouth while speaking to him.

“We know it’s not a red card if you’re not being aggressive towards an opponent,” former FIFA referee Mark Halsey said. “So that is poor from Messi.”

Arsenal remain hopeful of striking a deal to sign a top Premier League midfielder this summer as their search for a new number 8 goes on. The Gunners have had a slow transfer window so far, but that was expected on the back of last season’s success, which included a Premier League title and a Champions League final berth.

Mikel Arteta wants to improve his squad, with a left-winger and a number 8 at the top of the list, while some squad players who leave will have to be replaced, but only clear upgrades will do at this stage. That significantly narrows down the shortlist, and Chelsea’s hijacking of their proposed Morgan Rogers deal certainly didn’t help. Still, Arsenal will be calm as their search goes on, and they could be helped by one player pushing for an exit this summer.

Arsenal handed Bruno Guimaraes transfer update

via Reuters

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked with Arsenal for much of the summer, is becoming ‘increasingly frustrated’ by his situation at St James’ Park. It has been known since the start of this month that Guimaraes has wanted out of Newcastle, keen to play at the highest level, and indeed in European football.

But Newcastle, who have already sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, do not want to sell, and they are asking for £100million, which Arsenal are not willing to pay for a number 8, well aware that their winger deal, whoever it may involve, is going to be particularly pricey.

Newcastle know they cannot afford to get much weaker, already with plenty of new signings to make, and Guimaraes may pay the price for that, which is where his frustration is rooted. The Brazilian is now 29 years of age, and he is likely feeling as though his chance of landing a top move is slipping away.

For now, the midfielder is getting some extra time off after playing at the World Cup with Brazil.

Arsenal unlikely to get sucked into paying £100m fee

The crucial component for Arsenal in any Guimaraes deal is that they simply don’t need to be paying £100million for a new number 8. The argument could be made for the winger position, but in midfield, they already have a wealth of talent between Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman and Christian Norgaard.

Signing a new number 8 is a real luxury for Arsenal, and while they will feel as though it is needed to compete with the likes of PSG, it is not a position they need to spend £100million to improve.

That said, Guimaraes would be a top signing for the Gunners, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe having previously said of the midfielder: “I think he is world class. And I don’t say that lightly. He has unbelievable qualities & an unbelievable attitude to life and football.”

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has broken his silence after becoming the sixth player to be sent off in a World Cup final.

The Chelsea star, 25, was shown two yellow cards in the space of 11 minutes towards the end of normal time in Argentina’s clash against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Fernandez received his first yellow card in the 82nd minute from referee Slavko Vincic following a show of dissent after failing to win a free-kick.

He risked further punishment by sarcastically applauding the referee’s decision but was let off the hook.

However, Fernandez made Argentina’s task of winning significantly harder after clattering Spain defender Pau Cubarsi with a late challenge, resulting in his stoppage-time red card.

Ten-man Argentina defended valiantly in extra-time against a Spain team who’d passed them off the pitch for over 90 minutes.

But Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal was enough to secure a second World Cup title for Spain, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates crestfallen at the final whistle.

Enzo Fernandez Breaks Silence With Social Media Post

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

On Monday evening, 24 hours after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat, Fernandez released the following statement via Instagram:

“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result.

“For years, this group has represented us in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up.

“I want to thank all the Argentine fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for the affection, for the unconditional support, and for making us feel at home anywhere in the world.

“Wearing my country’s jersey is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I get to defend it.”

Argentina have been lambasted for their disappointing performance during the final, followed by unsavoury scenes that marred Spain’s full-time celebrations.

FIFA are set to launch an investigation into the behaviour of Argentina’s players after the final whistle.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Fernandez: Sixth Player Shown Red Card in World Cup Final

via REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Fernandez is the third player from Argentina to be sent off in a World Cup final, following Pedro Monzon and Gustavo Dezotti (both in 1990).

Former France internationals Marcel Desailly and Zinedine Zidane, for an infamous headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi, saw red in the 1998 and 2006 World Cup finals, respectively.

Ex-Netherlands star John Heitinga is the only other player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final, while playing against Spain in the 2010 final.