World Cup: Fifa charges Argentina for players’ disorder at Netherlands match
- Argentina substitutes and coaches encroached on the field as the game turned confrontational after the Dutch scored two late goals to force extra time
- Disciplinary cases for misconduct were opened against both Argentina and the Netherlands, Fifa said, while Argentina also faces a disorder charge
Fifa opened a disciplinary case against Argentina for its players’ actions during a contentious World Cup quarter final match against the Netherlands.
The football governing body cited “order and security at matches” in its disciplinary code for charging the Argentina football federation.
Argentina substitutes and coaches encroached on the field as the game turned confrontational in the late stages as the Dutch scored two late goals to force extra time. There were more heated exchanges on the field after Argentina won the penalty shoot-out following the 2-2 draw.
Lionel Messi was among a World Cup record 17 players or coaching staff members who were shown yellow cards during or after the game.
Team misconduct charges are routine for collecting five yellow cards in a game and disciplinary cases were opened against both Argentina and the Netherlands, Fifa said.
Both federations could get the same 15,000 Swiss francs fine (US$16,000) that Fifa’s disciplinary panel imposed twice on Saudi Arabia at this World Cup for team misconduct.