Argentina’s own FA sends blunt message after viral World Cup final replay petition passes 100,000 signatures | Football News
Argentina FA urges fans to embrace Spain’s World Cup win as viral replay petition tops 100,000 signaturesThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) is urging supporters to accept Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a fan-led petition calling for the game to be replayed went viral in the days following Argentina’s defeat in New Jersey.Spain clinched their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champion Argentina after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled most of the contest, as Argentina struggled to create chances and finished the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernández’s late dismissal.The final has remained in the headlines ever since, not only because of the post-match dispute involving some Argentine players, but also because of the growing conspiracy theories surrounding the officiating.
The replay petition is gaining traction online
An online petition launched on Change.org by Argentina supporter Gisela Sánchez gathered more than 101,613 verified signatures, calling on FIFA to replay the World Cup final.The petition said Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić gave a “controversial and corrupt” performance and asked FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.Its full description outlines concerns about the integrity of officiating, claiming that the finale is clouded by alleged bias and questionable decisions. It argued that fans expect matches to be decided by skill and effort rather than refereeing calls, and warned that failure to address those concerns could damage confidence in the game.
Argentina players react at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The petition also refers to videos circulating online that supporters believe show decisions that favor one side, and frames the issue as one that goes beyond Argentina, affecting the credibility of football around the world.It ends with a direct appeal to FIFA:“Therefore, we call on FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and consider replaying the final – this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”However, no evidence was produced to substantiate the allegations that the referee or FIFA acted improperly, and there was nothing to suggest that the match was influenced by bribery or corruption.In addition, Change.org petitions have no legal or sporting authority, and FIFA regulations provide for matches to be broadcast only under exceptional circumstances, not because of disagreements with referee decisions.Also read: Argentina’s president Javier Milei broke the silence after 23 million signed a petition calling for a ban on the World Cup
Claudio Tapia rejected replay demands
Amid a growing online campaign, Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly distanced the federation from replay calls and urged supporters to accept the result.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, and Argentine Soccer Association President Claudio Tapia applaud before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, Tapia acknowledged Spain’s dominance on the day while encouraging fans to continue supporting the national team despite the disappointment.“We didn’t get through Spain,” Tapia wrote.“We cannot beat Spain. They are superior, they won fair and square, and we have to recognize that.”He added that accepting defeat is part of elite sport.“In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace that you celebrate victories.”While admitting that it was painful to lose another World Cup final, Tapia reminded the supporters that the squad has once again reached the biggest stage in international football.“Yes, we lost a final. But it’s also true that this group recently brought great joy to the country.”“Losing hurts. It hurts because we are competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us.”The AFA president also defended the commitment shown by Lionel Scaloni’s squad throughout the tournament.“We will think about the sacrifice of these players, the coaching staff, and every person who works more than 50 days away from their families, with one goal: to represent Argentina in the best way possible.”He concluded by warning supporters not to be swayed by misinformation.“That’s why you shouldn’t be swayed by lies or by schemes that only seek to destabilize. It’s enough to try to turn against those who give so much to our football.”
Scaloni also dismissed conspiracy theories
Tapia’s comments echoed those previously made by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that Vinčić’s officiating had decided the outcome of the final.The Argentina manager acknowledged that Spain were the better team on the night, despite the disappointment of missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni reacts during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ironically, Argentina itself has faced repeated allegations of receiving favorable referee decisions earlier in the tournament. Among those who questioned FIFA’s officiating was Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, who admitted that the football governing body wants Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the competition as long as possible.Also read: Argentina’s president Javier Milei broke the silence after 23 million signed a petition calling for a ban on the World CupDespite the ongoing debate online, FIFA has given no indication that the result of the World Cup final will be reviewed, with the ongoing investigation instead focused on post-match brawls involving members of the Argentina squad after the final whistle.In addition to the replay petition, another viral campaign has spread online calling for Argentina to be stripped of their spot in the upcoming World Cups, which reportedly attracted around 23 million signatures before being pulled. Like the replay petition, it has no official weight but has sparked intense global reaction to the controversial final.
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