Spain midfielder Gavi has called on FIFA to show restraint in their investigation into Argentina’s conduct following Sunday’s World Cup final, insisting that no players should face bans for the post-match altercations.
Gavi Defends Argentina Rivals: “Don’t Suspend Them” Despite Post-Match Chaos
The Barcelona star found himself at the centre of the drama after the final whistle, embroiled in a heated confrontation with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes.
A brawl erupted after the final whistle of the World Cup final when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain’s Gavi to the ground as substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their 1-0 win. pic.twitter.com/S6b60snnZB
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) July 20, 2026
The chaotic scenes also saw Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala appear to strike Spain’s Dani Olmo, prompting FIFA to launch a formal investigation into the incidents.
Spain secured their second World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, a match that had already seen Argentina reduced to ten men following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal. However, the tension continued long after the final whistle.
Speaking to Cope, Gavi made his position clear regarding potential sanctions: “No, no. To tell you the truth, I don’t think they should be suspended.”
The 21-year-old acknowledged that the behaviour presented a poor example for young fans watching worldwide but argued that the aggressive side of football should be accepted as part of the game’s fabric.
“Perhaps the most logical thing for me would be to send him off during the match and that’s it,” Gavi stated.
“But as I said, in the end I think it’s all football and it always has to be that way.”
The midfielder’s comments come as FIFA officials review footage of the post-match chaos, with speculation mounting that several Argentina players could face disciplinary action.
However, Gavi’s intervention suggests that Spain’s camp does not wish to see their opponents penalised retrospectively.
The incident involving Paredes has drawn particular attention, with the Argentina midfielder clashing with Gavi in what appeared to be a heated exchange.
Despite the confrontation, Gavi has taken a conciliatory stance, prioritising the spirit of the game over punitive measures.
