Ayala apologises for clash with Olmo as Fifa probes World Cup final brawl

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has publicly apologised for his confrontation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo in the chaotic scenes that followed Spain’s 1-0 win in the World Cup final, as Fifa opens a formal investigation into the post-match melee.

Ayala, a member of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff and a former Argentina defender, was caught on television cameras clashing with Olmo amid a mass scuffle involving players and staff from both sides after the final whistle on Sunday.

Fifa has since appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the incident, with bans for those involved and a fine for the Argentine Football Association among the possible sanctions.

‘Of course I’m sorry’

Speaking to Valencia Capital Radio on Wednesday, Ayala admitted his behaviour fell short of what is expected from a senior member of a national team staff.

“Of course I’m sorry. Given my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or whatever I might receive from the other party, to affect my mood or my actions,” he said.

Ayala played down the severity of the contact with Olmo but accepted responsibility for his part in the flashpoint.

“For me, we need to draw a line and leave it at that. It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be.

“It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”

New footage circulating on social media appears to show Ayala striking Olmo in the seconds after the match ended, further intensifying scrutiny of Argentina’s conduct during the closing moments of the tournament.

‘My intention was to separate them’

Ayala said that when the final ended and tempers flared in the centre of the pitch, his first instinct had been to try to calm the situation.

“When the match ends, what I see is a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, and we rush over to get our players out of there,” he explained.

“I take responsibility for what I’ve done. My intention was to go over and separate them, but sometimes things just happen and your heart’s racing, though that’s no excuse.”

The altercation drew in several players from both sides. Argentina defenders Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada were involved, while their team-mate Leandro Paredes was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat as tensions escalated.

Ayala said he later spoke to Garcia in an attempt to clarify his role in the confrontation.

“Eric Garcia was there too, and I simply told Eric that I’d gone over to separate them and congratulate them, that’s all.”

Fifa disciplinary action looming

Fifa’s disciplinary and ethics arm will now review video footage and official reports from the final to determine whether Ayala, players and other staff members breached its code of conduct.

Those found guilty could face suspensions from international fixtures, while Argentina’s federation risks a financial penalty for failing to control its players and officials during and after the match.

Spain’s victory, sealed by a single goal, had been poised to be remembered primarily for its tactical intensity and historic significance. Instead, the post-match brawl – and Ayala’s clash with Olmo – has cast a shadow over the conclusion of the tournament.

Ayala’s public apology is likely to form part of Argentina’s response to Fifa’s inquiry, but any final decision on sanctions will rest with the world governing body’s disciplinary committee.