Thousands of furious Argentina supporters are calling for the FIFA World Cup Final to be replayed following what they describe as a “corrupt” officiating display, beIN Sports reports.
Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time of the tournament showpiece in New Jersey on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ strike proved decisive for the commanding Spanish side, who relentlessly pressured the Argentina goal throughout the game.
Defending champions Argentina failed to register a single shot on target in regulation and were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was kept constantly busy before finally being beaten by Torres’ effort in the 106th minute.
Argentina took the defeat badly, with unsavory scenes erupting at the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was seen kicking and punching as he pushed Eric Garcia to the ground and clashed with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to have sparked the confrontation by throwing a punch at Rodri, as per The Mirror.
Some supporters of the side are equally bitter, as evidenced by the more than 82,000 signatures on a petition demanding the final be replayed. Change.org petition author Gisela Sanchez contends that FIFA should overturn the result based on the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
Also Read: Ronaldo Allegedly Likes Instagram Post Accusing FIFA Of Helping Argentina Reach World Cup 2026 Final
“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match’s outcome,” Sanchez writes. “It is a monumental disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who crave to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by rigged refereeing decisions.
“If we allow corruption to go unnoticed on this global stage, we are setting a bad example for future generations of athletes and fans.
“Therefore, we ask Fifa to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final – this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”
Change.org is awash with petitions of a strikingly different character – ones demanding FIFA prohibit Argentina from future competitions. One appeal seeking the team’s exclusion from ALL upcoming World Cups accumulated over 29 million signatures before being closed.
Vincic sounded his whistle on 46 occasions for infractions, 25 of which were committed by Argentina players. Fernández received his marching orders after collecting two yellow cards in the second half – one for dissent following a denied free-kick and another for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
The game unfolded in a disjointed fashion due to Argentina’s disruptive approach, but Spain ultimately broke through during extra time. FIFA are examining the conduct of Argentina’s players following the match, which drew widespread condemnation.
“It’s a disgrace,” Gary Neville said on ITV. “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
3 Comments
So if Argentina loses ten times, the match should be replayed ten times. What a farce! Is the World Cup their property?
How about their coaches and players who were kicking and punching others? Should FIFA keep a blind eye and rather fund their classes in the kick-boxing academy?
Haba. Cry cry losers.
Funny people
E pain dem ganni
Argentina! Yeye pipo. Rubbish pro max.
The cry cry babies are at it again.
Don’t cry for me Argentina, they said. But they cried. Dem go cry taya!
What is going on in football nowadays?
In the past, teams lose with dignity and sportsmanship. Losers congratulate winners.
Today, Morocco is dragging Senegal to CAS over the Afcon title. A trophy Senegal won fair and square, beating Morocco on their home turf.
And now this nonsense from Argentina. A world cup final they lost to a dominant Spanish side, who controlled the game from start to finish. So dominant was Spain, that Messi and Argentina did not manage a single shot on goal in 90 mins! Yet, they feel they should have won the game? Haba! This is the height of self delusion!
Morocco and Argentina are both notorious sore losers. But Morocco na apprentice where Argentina dey. Morocco still dey learn work.
So Argentina actually want the world cup final replayed? Hahahaha! Funny pipo.
Maybe their next request would be for the sun to stop shining for one day. Or for planet earth to stop rotating on it’s axis. The whole world should grind to a halt because the cry cry babies Argentina said so!
Go ahead and cry, Argentina. Go ahead and cry!