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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under renewed scrutiny after a private congratulatory letter he sent to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was leaked, despite the world football governing body investigating Argentina over violent scenes that followed the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The controversy comes days after FIFA confirmed it had launched disciplinary proceedings into the altercation that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The post-match confrontation involved several Argentine players and officials, raising fresh concerns over breaches of fair play and sporting conduct.
Among those reportedly involved in the incident were midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who were seen confronting Spanish players moments after the final whistle. FIFA subsequently announced it was investigating allegations of offensive behaviour and violations of its fair play regulations.
However, while the disciplinary process remains ongoing, Infantino wrote to AFA president Claudio Tapia congratulating Argentina on finishing runners-up at the tournament. The letter, which has since been leaked, praised the team’s performance throughout the competition and acknowledged their contribution to what he described as a memorable World Cup.
Addressing Tapia, Infantino wrote: “Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.”
The FIFA president also described the tournament as “an unforgettable celebration of football” and commended Argentina for helping make the competition a global spectacle watched by millions of supporters across the world.
He further requested that his congratulations be conveyed to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, the players, the technical and medical staff, as well as the country’s passionate supporters who backed the team throughout the tournament.
The timing of the correspondence has sparked debate across football circles, with critics questioning why the message was sent while FIFA’s disciplinary investigation into Argentina’s conduct after the final remains unresolved. Although congratulatory letters to finalists are common diplomatic practice, the leak has intensified scrutiny over the optics of the gesture before the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
FIFA has yet to announce the outcome of its investigation or indicate whether any sanctions will be imposed on Argentina over the incidents that marred the closing moments of the World Cup final.
