Thousands of Argentine supporters are calling for a replay of the FIFA World Cup Final following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, citing concerns over officiating.
Spain secured the win on Sunday through a 106th-minute goal from Ferran Torres. The European side dominated possession and consistently pressured the Argentine goal throughout the match.
The defending champions struggled to create chances, failing to register a shot on target in regulation time. Argentina were also reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez faced sustained pressure before ultimately conceding to Torres in extra time.
Tensions boiled over at the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was seen pushing Eric Garcia to the ground and confronting Gavi, while Nahuel Molina was also involved in the altercation.
In the aftermath, a petition demanding that FIFA replay the final has gathered over 82,000 signatures.
“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was marred by controversial officiating,” the petition reads. “We urge FIFA to examine these events with seriousness and transparency, and to contemplate replaying the final free from the influence of biased refereeing.”
However, a counter-petition calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups reportedly garnered over 29 million signatures before it was closed.
Referee Slavko Vincic issued 46 fouls during the match, 25 of which were against Argentina. Fernández was sent off for two bookable offenses: dissent and a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsí.
FIFA confirmed it is reviewing the conduct of Argentina players following the heated scenes at full-time.
