Spain fans directed chants towards FIFA president Gianni Infantino just minutes into the World Cup final amid questionable decisions.
Referee Slavko Vincic is the first-ever Slovenian to take charge of football’s biggest match.
The official has taken charge of three previous matches this summer, having also officiated at the 2022 finals as well as Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
His first big decision of the final came after 15 minutes at the MetLife Stadium.
It followed a reckless lunge from Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on Dani Olmo.
His heavy challenge did not win the ball, with Olmo left in agony on the floor.
Spain frustration
Mac Allister’s attempted tackle was awarded as a foul by Vincic, with a free-kick given to Spain.
However, despite a furious reaction from their technical area, a yellow card was not shown.
Every member of the coaching staff had leapt to their feet following the challenge.
Meanwhile, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni appeared to wave his hand as if to dismiss whether it was even a foul in the first place.
As for the Spain supporters, they quickly made their feelings on the decision known.
Chants of ‘Infantino’ could be heard inside the MetLife Stadium as a reference to the belief Argentina were receiving preferential treatment from the referee – a conspiracy which has dominated the World Cup.
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Another cynical challenge from Nicolas Tagliafico on Lamine Yamal was not enough to see the referee go into his pocket.
The first yellow card was eventually brandished for a late scissor challenge from Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez.
Controversial decisions
It comes after controversial VAR decisions went in their favour earlier in the tournament.
Egypt saw a goal disallowed for a contentious foul in the round of 16 which would have seen them go 2-0 up.
Although they later added a second, the African side were ultimately beaten 3-2 following a late Argentina fight back.
The winning goal itself also came after penalty claims for Egypt seconds before Enzo Fernandez found the net.
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Manager Hossam Hassan was left furious with the referee, launching into a post-match rant aimed at FIFA.
Meanwhile, Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review into ‘mistaken identity’ in the quarter-finals.
His side were reduced to 10 men just moments after equalising.
The rare application of the protocol caused further criticism, with Argentina going on to win 3-1 after extra-time.
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However, Vincic later did brandish his cards – with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez sent off for two yellow cards during the second-half.
And it proved extremely costly for Argentina, with Spain making their man advantage count in extra-time by securing a 1-0 victory.
