Breaking: FIFA opens a disciplinary case against the Argentina players for their badly-tempered performance in their 2022 FIFA quarterfinal match against the Netherlands.
The governing body of football has cited in their disciplinary code for charging the Argentina football federation that “order and security at matches.”
The legendary Lionel Messi was one of the recorded 17 players or coaching staff from the bench who were shown yellow cards during or after the match against the Dutch.
Messi criticizes FIFA officials
Messi, even after knowing the consequences and punishments of criticizing the officials way too much, held back only a little and went on to comment,
“I don’t want to talk about referees because then they will sanction you, but we were scared before the game because we knew what was coming [with Mateu Lahoz],” Messi stated.
“I can’t say what I think, but FIFA has to look at this.
“[FIFA] cannot put a referee like that on this game when he is not up to the level.”
Argentina’s bench of substitutes and coaches intruded on the pitch after the match had turned confrontational in the later stages as it approached the end. The Dutch scored two late goals to force the game into extra time and stall Argentina’s victory.
It turned even more bitter after Argentina’s victory in the penalty shootouts, with heated arguments and exchanges on the pitch.
FIFA’s fine against Argentina
Misconduct charges for teams are a norm after collecting five total yellow cards in a particular match, and disciplinary cases were opened against Argentina and the Netherlands, according to FIFA.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia was the victim of fines worth 15,000 Swiss francs ($16,000) imposed on them twice for misconduct in the 2022 World Cup. Both Argentina and Netherlands’ federations could get the same.
Argentina will likely get a heavier fine for separate disorder charges.
FIFA gave no timetable for any verdicts, which are typically not published before a team’s next game at this World Cup.
Argentina faces Croatia in their semifinal battle and the much-anticipated struggle for finals on Tuesday.
