ZURICH (AP) – FIFA opened a disciplinary case against the Argentine Football Association on Friday for alleged offensive player misconduct and violations of fair play at the World Cup final.
FIFA cited its media and marketing regulations for prosecuting the case, which appears to relate to a boisterous celebration by players running through the interview zone after the game on December 18.
Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
About three hours later, players led by captain Lionel Messi ran and sang through the official interview area and damaged partition walls without stopping to speak to international broadcast and print media.
The disciplinary charges that include “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” did not specify Emiliano Martinez, who crudely brandished the trophy he received on the field as the best goalkeeper at the World Cup.
In other cases, FIFA imposed fines on the federations of Serbia, Mexico and Ecuador for acts of discrimination by fans at the World Cup.
