FIFA has confirmed that Leandro Paredes did not receive a red card following the violent scenes that broke out after Sunday’s World Cup final, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
Trouble flared on the pitch once referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle at MetLife Stadium. Paredes appeared to be among the main instigators, allegedly grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground.
FIFA’s commentator information system briefly and incorrectly showed that Vincic had sent Paredes off for the incident with Garcia. The system then deleted the red card entry.
The global football body has since told BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken against Paredes at the time.
BBC football correspondent Dale Johnson clarified the confusion on X, writing, “There was no rescinded red card. Because there was no red card. It was incorrectly displayed on Fifa’s commentator information system and then deleted [sic].”
FIFA is, however, still investigating the wider brawl. Along with Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala all appear to have been involved.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code (FDC), the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” a FIFA statement read.
“Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor’s report has been completed,” the statement added.
Those found to have been involved in the altercation could face suspensions, and the Argentine Football Association could face a fine.
