Argentina and Croatia are in the sights of the International Football Association (FIFA). The panel announced Friday, January 13, that it would initiate proceedings against these two selections over events that took place during matches against France and Morocco during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The destination is the Albiceleste “Possible violations of Article 11 [comportement offensant et violation des principes du fair-play] and 12 [incorrection de joueurs et d’officiels] » the disciplinary rules of the institution, observed during the World Cup final win over the Blues (3-3; 4-2 on penalties), explains the FIFA press release.
If the text does not indicate what shots are involved, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was photographed after the game making a rude gesture with the Golden Glove trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He had also been filmed in the dressing room mocking French striker Kylian Mbappé. Argentina is also the subject of proceedings for violating the World Cup’s media and marketing regulations.
nationalist songs
With regard to Croatia, the Panel reports “Potential breaches of Article 13 [discrimination] and 16 [ordre et sécurité lors des matchs] » in the match for third place against Morocco (2:1).
Again, the press release does not elaborate on which incidents are covered by this procedure. But during the Croatian team’s celebrations, videos circulating on social networks showed players singing nationalist songs with fascist undertones.
Among them, defender Dejan Lovren, new to Olympique Lyonnais, defended himself citing Agence France-Presse “a patriotic song referring to [s]we country » and which testifies to the love he has for him.
Three sanctioned associations
FIFA also states that it has imposed sanctions on the Mexican, Ecuadorian and Serbian federations for violating Article 13 of their code of conduct regarding discrimination based on songs sung by their supporters.
Mexico will be fined 100,000 Swiss francs (around 99,600 euros) and a game suspension behind closed doors. Ecuador were fined 20,000 Swiss francs (around 19,900 euros) and played behind closed doors. Serbia meanwhile receives a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (around 49,800 euros) and inherits a game behind closed doors. Seven of his players were also individually sanctioned for misconduct in the group game against Switzerland.
