Argentine coach Roberto Ayala issued an apology after punching Spain's Dani Olmo in the controversial scenes after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Ayala revealed that he reacted to something the Spanish midfielder said after the final whistle.
Roberto Ayala punched Dani Olmo after the World Cup final. (X)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Spain won 1-0, courtesy of Ferran Torres' extra-time goal on Sunday. But the scenes after the final whistle were chaotic as Spain captain Rodri got into a verbal altercation with Nicolas Otamendi. Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes was given a red card after the final whistle for punching Gavi. Paredes punched Gavi when he ran onto the field to celebrate with his teammates.
Meanwhile, Ayala was also involved in the chaotic scenes and was seen approaching Olmo before punching him in the face. Meanwhile, Olmo showed restraint and didn't react.
‘Obviously I’m sorry’: Roberto Ayala
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Ayala has clarified the incident, claiming it was more of a push and that it happened because Olmo said something. The former player also apologised to Olmo.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Ayala has clarified the incident, claiming it was more of a push and that it happened because Olmo said something. The former player also apologised to Olmo.
{{/usCountry}}
Speaking on Esports Migdia, he said, "Obviously I’m sorry. Because of my position, I can’t allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions. I’m sorry, but for me, these are things that stay there and that’s it."
"For me, things need to be put behind us and left there. It was more of a push than anything else, it wasn’t a punch like they’re saying, and that’s it. It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
"It’s a shame, and you have to accept the facts and the things you’ve done on the field. When the game ends, what I see is a fight in the middle of the pitch, and we rush to go after our players, and it ends up like that because that’s not who we are.
"I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was to go and separate them, that was my intention, but sometimes things happen and emotions run high, but that’s no excuse. And given my position, my behaviour has to be different, regardless of what I receive," he added.
Meanwhile, FIFA has opened an investigation into the chaotic scenes. FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the incident.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Football/Argentina coach apologises for Dani Olmo punch, reveals what sparked ugly World Cup final confrontation
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
