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Dallas Co Farmers Exchange – Buffalo, Fair Grove, Urbana |
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07/24 05:58 CDT Spain coach De la Fuente says Argentina's conduct after World
Cup final was 'unacceptable'
Spain coach De la Fuente says Argentina's conduct after World Cup final was
'unacceptable'
By GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writer
GENEVA (AP) --- As FIFA investigates Argentina's conduct after the World Cup
final, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has described the incidents as
"intolerable and unacceptable."
FIFA asked one of its disciplinary prosecutors Monday to report back on testy
on-field confrontations after Spain's 1-0 win in extra time Sunday to dethrone
the defending champion.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes physically tangled with Spain players Eric
Garcia and Gavi, and Spain captain Rodri was hit in the stomach as he ran past
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina.
"It cannot be allowed," De la Fuente told Spanish public broadcaster TVE on
Thursday, adding he did not see the incidents at the time while "celebrating
with other people."
"In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that
caliber, whom I had been praising in the days before and who have a magnificent
coach," the Spain coach said.
FIFA has given no details of the remit for its investigator, or if witness
statements could be sought from Spain players and staff.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized Wednesday for his
confrontation with Dani Olmo, which he described as a shove and not a punch.
Coach praises Spain's restraint De la Fuente praised his players in the TVE interview for how they handled the situation at MetLife Stadium. "I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation," the coach said. "Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals." The Spain squad stood in a guard of honor for Argentina players walking to the podium to get their medals from U.S. President Donald Trump. Minutes later, when Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentina squad turned their backs on the ceremonial moment.
Unclear timetable for FIFA action FIFA disciplinary rules allow a special prosecutor to "request the opening of disciplinary proceedings and propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals." FIFA gave no timetable for any cases, and it is unclear when any potential bans for Argentina players would apply as the team does not have competitive games scheduled in the coming months. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage
Coach praises Spain's restraint De la Fuente praised his players in the TVE interview for how they handled the situation at MetLife Stadium. "I want to highlight our behavior in the face of that kind of aggression and provocation," the coach said. "Our players always kept their composure and behaved like true professionals." The Spain squad stood in a guard of honor for Argentina players walking to the podium to get their medals from U.S. President Donald Trump. Minutes later, when Rodri lifted the trophy, most of the Argentina squad turned their backs on the ceremonial moment.
Unclear timetable for FIFA action FIFA disciplinary rules allow a special prosecutor to "request the opening of disciplinary proceedings and propose that disciplinary measures be imposed on member associations, clubs and individuals." FIFA gave no timetable for any cases, and it is unclear when any potential bans for Argentina players would apply as the team does not have competitive games scheduled in the coming months. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage
