Paris: FIFA yesterday announced it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for “offensive behaviour” during their World Cup final triumph over France last month.
The South Americans downed holders France on penalties in Qatar after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a gesture with his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy after the match, before being filmed in the dressing room mocking French star Kylian Mbappe.
FIFA said Argentina had potentially breached rules regarding “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials”.
World football’s governing body is also investigating the Argentinian FA over breaching media and marketing regulations.
Croatia are being investigated for potential violations of “discrimination” and “order and security at matches” rules.
Defender Dejan Lovren defended himself and his teammates, recently telling AFP it was “a patriotic song which relates to my country, which means that I love my country”.
Also yesterday, FIFA sanctioned the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) for the offensive chants the country's fans made during their matches at last year's World Cup by ordering it to play a game behind closed doors and fined it 100,000 Swiss francs ($108,000).
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has fined FMF with a fine of CHF 100,000 and one match to be played behind closed doors in light of chants by Mexican supporters during the Mexico vs Poland and Saudi Arabia vs Mexico World Cup matches," FIFA said in a statement yesterday.
"This sanction will apply on the next official match played by their senior men's national team in a FIFA competition."
The FMF has been sanctioned on several occasions because of a shout Mexican fans make before the rival goalkeeper clears the ball.
Mexico will play Jamaica behind closed doors on March 25 in the CONCACAF Nations League.
