Spain midfielder Gavi said he does not believe Argentina’s players should face suspensions following the post-match altercation that erupted after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Speaking to reporters after Spain’s title celebrations, the Barcelona star argued that any punishment should have been handled during the match itself.
“I don’t think Argentina’s players should be suspended. Maybe the player should have been sent off during the game, and that would have been enough,” Gavi said.
He acknowledged that the scenes were not a positive example for young fans but added that physical confrontations have long been part of football.
“I understand that this doesn’t set a good example for children, but football has always had a more aggressive side,” he said. “Everything that happened is part of football.”
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The comments come as FIFA continues to investigate the incidents that followed Spain’s World Cup victory.
After the final whistle, celebrations were interrupted when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain’s Rodri, while midfielder Leandro Paredes was involved in a confrontation with Eric García and Gavi. Former Argentina defender and assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also accused of striking Spain forward Dani Olmo during the melee.
