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FIFA starts disciplinary action against Argentina for 'misconduct' during World Cup final

Argentina had defeated France in the penalty shootout in the WC final

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez poses with the FIFA Golden Glove award during the trophy ceremony at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup | AFP

FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Argentina on Friday for the team's alleged misconduct and offensive behaviour at the Qatar World Cup final last month. 

Violation of fair play was also alleged against the team. 

FIFA cited its media and marketing regulations for prosecuting the case, which appears to relate to a boisterous celebration by players running through the interview zone after the game on December 18, AP reported. 

In Qatar World Cup, Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium. 

During the World Cup, Argentina Goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, had made a crude gesture with the trophy he received on the field as the best goalkeeper. He also later mocked France's Kylian Mbappe in the dressing room. 

Also, according to reports, Lionel Messi's team damaged flimsy partition walls without stopping to speak to international broadcast and print media after the victory. 

However, the disciplinary charges that include "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" did not specify Emiliano Martinez, AP reported. 

FIFA gave no timetable for the Argentina disciplinary case. In other cases, FIFA imposed fines on the federations of Serbia, Mexico, and Ecuador for acts of discrimination by fans at the World Cup. 

Serbia was fined $54,000 for offensive fan chants during a loss against Switzerland. Also, Mexico was fined $1,08,000 for anti-gay chants by fans at two games and Ecuador must pay 20,000 Swiss francs for chants at the opening game against Qatar reportedly directed at Chile.