Argentine supporters have signed a petition demanding that FIFA replay the World Cup final won by Spain, accusing the referee of having been bought.
The campaign, launched on Change.org by a fan named Gisela Sánchez, had passed 80,000 signatures by July 23, according to Euronews. The platform’s own verified-signature counter stood at about 63,700 on July 24.
The text describes Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić’s performance as “controversial and corrupt” and asks the governing body to consider staging the match again. It offers no evidence beyond videos circulating on social media.
Spain beat holders Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to seal a second world title, celebrated by up to two million people in Madrid.
Argentina finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second booking in stoppage time. Vinčić, the first Slovenian to referee a World Cup final, had earlier disallowed a Nico Williams goal for a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolás Otamendi.
Spanish commentators questioned the officiating from the opposite direction. Cadena SER presenter Manu Carreño told listeners the Slovenian had been Argentina’s outstanding performer on the night.
FIFA regulations allow a match to be replayed only in exceptional circumstances, such as a technical error by the officials. One of the few precedents came in 2006, when a World Cup qualifier between Uzbekistan and Bahrain was ordered to be played again.
Football’s governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina rather than against the referee. Its disciplinary committee appointed a prosecutor to examine the brawl that broke out on the pitch as Spain celebrated.
Leandro Paredes was filmed grabbing Eric García by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri. Several Argentina players turned their backs as the trophy was lifted.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologised on July 22 for shoving Spain midfielder Dani Olmo, telling Valencia Capital Radio he regretted the incident and would say sorry in person.
FIFA is separately examining a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas” that Argentina players displayed after their semi-final win over England, a gesture criticised by the UK Government.
Comparable campaigns have changed nothing. More than 200,000 French supporters signed a petition after the 2022 final in Qatar, and French fans gathered over 82,000 signatures this month after their semi-final defeat by Spain.
The final also drew political attention beyond the pitch, with US President Donald Trump playing down friction with Madrid as he returned from the match.
