The International Football Federation examines potential violations of its disciplinary code during the victorious final of Albiceleste against France and during the match for third place between Croatia in Morocco.
MO12345LEMONDE with AFP
Argentina and Croatia are in the viewfinder of the International Football Federation (FIFA). The body announced, Friday, January 13, open procedures against these two selections for events that occurred respectively in matches against France and Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Albiceleste is targeted for “possible violations of articles 11 [offensive behavior and violation of the principles of fair play] and 12 [incorrection of players and officials]” of the disciplinary code of the body, observed during From the World Cup final won against the Blues (3-3; 4-2 T.A.B.), details the press release from FIFA.
If the text does not specify what the attitudes concerned are, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had been photographed after the match made a rude gesture with the Golden Glove Trophy which rewards the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He had also been filmed in the locker room mocking the French striker Kylian Mbappé. Argentina is also targeted by a procedure for a violation of the media and marketing regulations of the World Cup.
As for Croatia, the body reports “potential violations of articles 13 [discrimination] and 16 [order and security in matches]” in the match for third place won against Morocco (2 -1).
Again, the press release does not develop which incidents are targeted by this procedure. But, during the celebrations of the Croatian team, videos relayed on social networks had shown players singing nationalist songs with fascist connotation.
Among them, the defender Dejan Lovren, newly arrived at Olympique Lyonnais, defended himself with the agency France-Presse, evoking “a patriotic song which relates to [s] on country” and which testifies of the love he has to it.
Three federations sanctioned
FIFA also specifies that it has taken sanctions against Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Serbian federations for violations of article 13 of its code of conduct, relating to discrimination, due to songs sung by their supporters.
Mexico is inflicted a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs (around 99,600 euros) and a closed -door match. Ecuador was sentenced to a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs (around 19,900 euros) and a partial closed door match. Serbia, on the other hand, receives a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (around 49,800 euros) and inherits a partial closed -door match. Seven of his players were also sanctioned individually for bad behavior during the group match against Switzerland.