Argentina release statement on World Cup final replay claims after petition goes viral

The president of the Argentine Football Association has responded after a fan-led petition called for the recent World Cup final to be replayed.

Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike secured Spain’s second World Cup triumph last Sunday (July 19), while Argentina, who entered the tournament as defending champions, were forced to settle for silver medals.

The South Americans’ post-match behaviour has been heavily criticised, with members of staff and several players, including Leandro Paredes, involved in unsavoury physical and verbal exchanges with Spain players, even bundling Gavi to the floor.

FIFA has since launched an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, most of Argentina’s squad turned their backs on Spain as they held the World Cup trophy aloft during the presentation ceremony.

And despite Enzo Fernandez being rightfully sent off after receiving a second bookable offence for a mistimed challenge on Pau Cubarsi in second-half stoppage time, some Argentina fans have called for the final to be replayed due to the referee's performance.

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A petition was launched by fans of La Albiceleste questioning the performance of Slavko Vinčić, who took charge of the final and has since gained thousands of signatures.

Translated from Spanish to English, the description read:

“The World Cup is one of the most anticipated and exciting sporting events in the world.

"Millions of fans across the globe come together to support their national teams and enjoy a fair, thrilling sporting spectacle.

"However, the recent final between Argentina and Spain was marred by the controversial and corrupt conduct of the referee, who—according to video evidence—was bribed to influence the match's outcome.

"This is a monumental disappointment for players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who long to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, rather than by rigged officiating decisions.

"Various videos circulating on social media show the referee making calls that clearly favored one team over the other, altering the natural course of the match.

"This is not merely a matter of justice for Argentina, but for the future of world football. We must ensure the integrity of referees at all levels of the sport.

"If we allow corruption to go unchecked on this global stage, we set a poor example for future generations of athletes and fans.

"Therefore, we call upon FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final—this time without the influence of a corrupt referee."

It should be noted that there is nothing to suggest FIFA or the referee was in any way bribed.

Argentina respond to petition calling for World Cup final replay

The president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, has now responded, urging the nation's fans to accept Spain’s victory while calling on them to support the players as they overcome the defeat.

"We were unable to get past Spain," Tapia said via Instagram.

"We couldn't beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that.

"In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories.

"Yes, we lost a final. But it's also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country. Argentina had celebrated a match earlier because this team once again demonstrated why it means so much to our people.

"Losing hurts. It hurts because we are competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us. It hurts because we are used to fighting until the end and because we continue to be one of the two best teams in the world.

"But let's stop for a moment. Let's think about the sacrifice of these players, the coaching staff, and every person who worked for more than 50 days away from their families, with a single objective: to represent Argentina in the best way possible.

"We are Argentinians. We compete with grit, with passion, and with heart. We give everything in every training session and every match. We also represent all of the Americas with enormous pride. We defend our colors. Our flag and our country on every pitch in the world.

"That's why you shouldn't be swayed by lies or by schemes that only seek to destabilize. Enough of trying to turn against those who have given so much to our football.

"Today is a time to give thanks, to support, and to recognize these players who once again gave their all for the shirt.

"Schemes come and go. The commitment, the work, and the heart of our National Team remain forever."