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FIFA "rotten to its core" as big names call for Infantino to quit
SEN • July 23rd, 2026 1:03 pm
In a surprising turn of events, the Spanish player that was attacked by his Argentine rival after the World Cup final has leapt to his aggressor’s defence pleading for leniency when it comes to sanctions.
After the final whistle was blown and Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA world champions, absolute chaos erupted with Leandro Paredes instigating diabolical scenes as he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the floor.
Argentina’s Nahuel Molina also punched Rodri in the torso as he ran on to celebrate with his Spanish teammates and Argentina’s backroom staff were also involved in the fight.
Afterwards, Argentina players turned their backs to Spain as they lifted the trophy, with experts and former players around the world slamming their disrespect and poor sportsmanship.
An investigation into the South American side’s behaviour has since been launched by FIFA, but breaking his silence on what happened, Gavi has called for leniency.
“To tell you the truth, I don't think he (Paredes) should be suspended," the Barcelona midfielder told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE.
“I understand it's not a good image for children, but I think there's also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive.
“The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that's it. In the end, I think it's all football, and it has to be that way.”
INFANTINO MUST QUIT
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino didn’t receive a wealth of praise throughout the tournament across the USA, Canada and Mexico amid a raft of controversial decisions, regulations and oversights.
The most significant of which surrounded Folarin Balogun’s reprieve from a red card suspension.
The USA striker was sent off against Bosnia and should have missed the USA’s round of 16 clash with Belgium, but thanks to a call from Donald Trump, Infantino and his board allowed the star to play.
It sparked global outrage as politics infiltrated sporting decisions and now La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for the controversial FIFA leader to step down, accusing him of “destroying the football industry”.
Asked by La Gazzzetta dello Sport if Infantino had to go, Tebas said: “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up.
“However, he has the support of the system and the federations, so there's not much more to add, is there? There's no opposition candidate, nobody wants to stand just to lose. This is the system and it's rotten at its core.
"He shouldn't stay, but he won't leave. I've heard many people who are against Infantino. They say it, but then they do nothing. I don't know what's worse, the silence or the complicity, because those who stay silent are perfectly aware of the damage football is suffering.
“The suspension of the American player’s ban is an extremely serious matter. They were lucky that Belgium eliminated the US because otherwise a case could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his job.
“Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg.”
CHELSEA MOVE
The Argentina player that was slapped by Jude Bellingham after England’s semi-final defeat in Atlanta has agreed to terms to join Chelsea next season.
Valentin Barco will no doubt be given a memorable welcome to the English Premier League by England fans who will take quite some time to forget how the Argentina players carried on at the World Cup.
They completed a dramatic injury-time comeback against England to secure a spot in the final but were widely criticised for unfurling a banner which read "Viva las Malvinas" referring to the ownership of the Falkland Islands.
Chelsea are set to pay Strasbourg in excess of $65m for the 21-year-old.
The London club have also confirmed the signing of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported £117 million (AUD$223m).
Chelsea start the new season under new management with Xabi Alonso at the helm since July 1.
