FIFA has confirmed that Leandro Paredes did not receive a red card following the chaotic conclusion to the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Broadcasters initially reported that referee Slavko Vinčić had dismissed the Argentine midfielder after the final whistle. The incident was also registered on FIFA’s commentator information system before later disappearing.

The explanation is not that the red card was overturned. According to FIFA, it was never shown in the first place.

FIFA system sparked confusion

According to Josh Lawless of SPORTbible, citing BBC correspondent Dale Johnson, the dismissal was mistakenly entered into FIFA’s information system and subsequently deleted.

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“There was no rescinded red because there was no red card,” Johnson clarified.

FIFA also confirmed to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken against Paredes at the time.

That wording is important. It only confirms that Vinčić did not send the midfielder off after the match. It does not mean Paredes has been cleared of wrongdoing or that he cannot receive a retrospective suspension.

Eric García was at centre of original report

Initial accounts also incorrectly identified Gavi as the player whom Paredes had allegedly pushed by the throat.

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The incident registered in FIFA’s system named Eric García. Footage appeared to show Paredes confronting the Barcelona defender and placing a hand around his neck during the altercation.

Paredes then became involved in a separate clash with Gavi, who was taken to the ground as players and staff from both teams rushed into the confrontation.

The scenes followed Spain’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal before Argentina’s frustration spilled over after the final whistle.

Investigation leaves Paredes at risk

According to Will Castle of The Independent, FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine possible breaches of its disciplinary code during the post-match disorder.

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Paredes is therefore not necessarily safe from punishment. A suspension could still be imposed if the investigation concludes that his conduct constituted an assault or another disciplinary offence.

Other members of the Argentina delegation are also expected to be examined after Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to become involved in separate confrontations.

The only confirmed red card in the match was shown to Enzo Fernández, who received his second booking shortly before the end of normal time.

Paredes’ supposed dismissal has now been corrected, but the disciplinary fallout from the World Cup final is far from over.

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