FIFA Rejects Argentina’s Appeal Over Olympic Match Incident, Coach Mascherano Speaks Out About Messi.

According to TyC Sports, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has dismissed the complaint filed by the Argentine Olympic team regarding the incident that occurred during their match against Morocco on July 24th. As a result, no penalties have been issued.

Previously, the match faced a more than two-hour delay due to fans invading the pitch, leading to a replay of the final three minutes. Argentina’s equalizing goal, which would have made the score 2-2 in the 90+16th minute, was disallowed for offside, ultimately leading to their 1-2 defeat to Morocco. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) had lodged an appeal with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.

“Argentina had to endure senseless violence and violations of the rules of play. Furthermore, the opinions of both team captains, who believed the match should not continue, were ignored. From the AFA, we filed a complaint with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to take appropriate management measures and impose penalties on those responsible,” said AFA President Claudio Tapia in a statement accompanying the complaint.

FIFA subsequently opened an investigation. However, on July 28th, TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul reported, “FIFA has responded to the AFA, rejecting all complaints. Therefore, no penalties have been issued, despite the significant security lapses during the match, with fans repeatedly invading the pitch. The Argentine Olympic team understands that the match result cannot be changed and is now focused on winning the remaining two matches to advance.”

In the second round of Group B matches in the men’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 27th, there were surprising results that left the two quarter-final spots to be determined in the final round.

Specifically, the two teams that won their first matches, Morocco and Iraq, both lost. Iraq fell to Argentina with a score of 1-3, while Morocco was defeated by Ukraine 1-2. As a result, all four teams now have 3 points after two matches. Argentina tops the group due to a better goal difference (+1), while Ukraine is second, having a direct head-to-head advantage over Morocco with an equal goal difference (3/3) and total goals scored. Iraq is at the bottom with a goal difference of -1.

The final round will determine the standings, with Argentina facing Ukraine and Morocco playing Iraq simultaneously at 22:00 on July 30th to decide the two quarter-final spots.

Coach Mascherano of the Argentine Olympic team commented, “We have two choices: focus on what has happened or look forward. We choose to focus on what we can control, which is playing football. It’s a relief after the win against Iraq. Now, we are entirely focused on the remaining match against Ukraine, and we must win. That’s our choice, and we are no longer concerned with the past events that caused so much controversy.”

“I am also truly grateful to Messi and the veteran members of the Argentine national team. They have consistently supported, encouraged, and sent motivational messages to all players in the Olympic team. This has created unity within the team, helping the young players stay confident and focused. Messi’s encouragement has helped the players understand that they need to perform on the pitch rather than be distracted by incidents. We have overcome this challenge thanks to timely mental support from Messi and other team members,” expressed Coach Mascherano.