‘I’m sorry’: Why Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologized after World Cup final Football News

New Delhi: Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has apologized for his altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo after the 2026 World Cup final and admitted his behavior was unacceptable. The ugly scene emerged after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the World Cup on Sunday. FIFA subsequently launched an investigation into the post-match brawl.

Chaos after the final whistle

After the final whistle, players and staff from both sides started a fierce confrontation, and the tension immediately escalated.Spain captain Rodri was seen arguing with Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi. Leandro Paredes was shown a red card after punching Garvey, who ran onto the pitch to celebrate Spain’s victory.Ayala was also involved in the incident. Television footage showed the former Argentina defender approaching Dani Olmo before making contact with the Spanish midfielder. Olmo chose not to retaliate.

Ayala apologizes for her behavior

After the incident, Ayala admitted he had made a mistake and said he regretted losing control.“Obviously I’m sorry. Because of my position, I can’t let a certain feeling or what I might have received from the other person change my mood and behavior. I’m sorry, but for me these things stay there and that’s it,” Ayala told Valencia Capital Radio.“For me, things need to be put behind them and stay there. It was more of a push than a punch as they say and that’s it. It was a reaction to what he said but nothing more. If I met him I would obviously apologize to him personally,” he said.Ayala said he lost control during the chaotic scene and took full responsibility for his actions.“It’s a shame and you have to accept the facts and what you do on the pitch. When the game ended, what I saw was a battle in the middle of the pitch and we were rushing to get after our players and that’s what happened because that’s not us,” he said.He added that his original intention was to prevent conflict, not become part of it.“I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to separate them, that was my intention, but sometimes things happen and emotions get high, but that’s no excuse.” Given my position, I have to behave differently regardless of what I receive,” he said.FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings over the post-match brawl.The governing body’s disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate incidents involving players and coaching staff.