An online petition demanding that FIFA expel Argentina from the World Cup has garnered over 23 million signatures, falling just short of the Guinness World Record for the most signatories. The petition, titled 'Argentina Out,' accuses FIFA and match officials of favouring Lionel Messi's side throughout the tournament, culminating in the final where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
The Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a petition remains at 24,319,181, set in 1997 by the Jubilee 2000 movement, which sought debt cancellation for the world's poorest countries. The 'Argentina Out' campaign closed with 23,316,108 signatures, a remarkable tally that reflects widespread anger among football fans.
Post-Match Brawl Triggers FIFA Investigation
FIFA has confirmed it will investigate the 'disgusting' scenes that erupted after the final whistle. Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, were allegedly involved in altercations with Spain players. Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain Rodri, while Paredes clashed with defender Eric Garcia. FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed an ethics prosecutor to assess whether the actions violated 'the basic rules of decent conduct' and brought the sport into disrepute.
The investigation could result in a global ban for those found guilty. The petition's description argues that 'the winner has already been decided' due to bias, calling for Argentina's permanent expulsion to 'give everyone else a fair chance.'
This is not the first time Argentina has courted controversy during the tournament. The team and its fans went viral for racist chants, a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' ('The Falklands are Argentine') during post-semifinal celebrations against England, and questionable refereeing decisions in the quarter-final against Egypt. Conspiracy theories that the World Cup was rigged in Argentina's favour gained traction online, amplified by AI-generated videos and images.
The petition's near-record tally underscores the depth of frustration among global football supporters. Whether FIFA's ethics prosecutor will take action remains to be seen, but the episode has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a thrilling tournament. For more on the final, see our coverage of Spain's extra-time victory and the record $51 million prize awarded to the winners.
