Argentina to potentially face disciplinary action from FIFA

A record making 17 players and coaching staff members were handed a yellow card during or after the match, including Lionel Messi. According to Messi, the decisions of referee MateuLahoz were questionable, and Argentina had foreseen challenges he could pose when they heard that he would be refereeing the game. The Argentine legend asserted that FIFA should look into the issue, but refused to say anything against the referee in particular as it could invite a sanction.

Two goals late in the game by the Dutch, led to extra time, and finally to a penalty shootout, following which clashes erupted between the substitutes and coaches, who intruded onto the field. Subsequently, both teams were charged by FIFA for misconduct, and could have to pay a fine of $16,000 if found guilty, though A disciplinary case has been filed by FIFA against Argentina, after their quarterfinal match against the Netherlands ended in clashes between players. The Argentina football federation has reportedly been charged with violation of the code related to “order and security at matches”.

Argentina could face tougher sanctions due to the charge of disorder filed against them.

 The same fine has already been slapped on Saudi Arabia twice at the ongoing World Cup due to team misconduct. While FIFA has not announced when the verdict will be available, going by precedents, it is unlikely that it will be published before the next match faced by the teams. While the Netherlands have been knocked out, Argentina are set to face Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday, as fans hope that Lionel Messi will not be barred from the squad.