RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The 2026 FIFA men's World Cup went out with a bang last Sunday, July 19. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim their second men's World Cup title and first since 2010, with the added bonus of denying Argentina's bid to become the first repeat men's World Cup champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
After the final whistle, a physical altercation broke out between several Argentina and Spain players, with Argentina's coaching staff trying to intervene. This video shows Roberto Ayala, an assistant coach for Argentina, clocking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo in the neck.
"I am sorry," Ayala said on Valencia Capital Radio's "Esports Migdia" last week. "The position I hold is one where I cannot allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions."
Ayala described it as "more of a push," not a punch, and added, "It was a reaction to something said."
Olmo, who plays club at Barcelona , does not accept Ayala's apology.
"Someone who says they're sorry but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment is surely not sorry because he is lying," Olmo said, per ESPN's Jamie Barton . "I didn't say anything to him, so he doesn't need to apologize. What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to acknowledge it with humility, honesty and dignity."
"When my children, my family and all those fans watch the game, I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, of our behavior, because the importance of football means that us players are an example for children and the new generations, and that brings with it a huge responsibility," Olmo added.
Last week, FIFA announced that its disciplinary committee will review the incident. BBC Sport's Dale Johnson wrote, "Any player or coach involved in the fracas could face suspension, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined."
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