Jude Bellingham could come under FIFA disciplinary review after appearing to strike Argentina substitute Valentin Barco following England’s dramatic 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-finals.
The incident took place moments after the final whistle on Wednesday in Atlanta. As Argentina’s players celebrated their victory on the pitch, Barco, who had remained on the bench throughout the match, was embracing teammates when Bellingham approached and slapped him on the back of the head. The confrontation quickly drew players from both sides, briefly escalating into a heated exchange before the England midfielder walked away.
The reason behind Bellingham’s reaction remains unclear. However, television footage showed Barco sprinting onto the field after Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute and celebrating in front of England’s players, an act that may have contributed to tensions.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, Bellingham could be investigated for his actions. If the incident is deemed violent conduct, the Real Madrid midfielder could face a suspension that would rule him out of England’s third-place play-off against France in Miami on Saturday. However, the governing body may instead conclude that the contact involved only negligible force, which would make a suspension less likely under the Laws of the Game.
England looked on course for a place in the final after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead early in the second half. Argentina fought back through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez headed in the winning goal deep into stoppage time, sealing a dramatic comeback and booking a place in the World Cup final.
The semi-final was highly physical from the opening whistle, with American referee Ismail Elfath handing out decisions throughout a contest that featured 19 first-half fouls as he struggled to keep the match under control.
Bellingham, who has scored six goals during the tournament, was also involved in an early exchange with Argentina captain Lionel Messi after Elliot Anderson was brought down in the opening minutes.
After the match, Bellingham played down that earlier confrontation, saying it was simply a discussion about the foul and insisting there was nothing significant behind the incident.