Scaloni’s assistant Ayala ‘regrets’ Olmo clash in final fallout

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has admitted he regrets his confrontation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo after his side’s 1-0 defeat in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying he would apologise personally if they meet again.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the incidents that followed the final, including the clashes between players and staff during the post-match scenes.

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Speaking to Esports Migdia on Valencia Capital Radio, Ayala accepted responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that his position required greater restraint.

“Obviously I regret it. Because of my position, I cannot allow a feeling, or what I might receive from the other party, to change my mood and my actions,” the former Argentina defender said, as quoted by TyC Sports.

Ayala, however, played down the severity of the incident, describing it as a push rather than a punch. He said the confrontation was triggered by a comment but insisted he did not want to dwell on what happened.

“It was a reaction to a comment, but that’s it. If I see him, I will obviously apologise in person,” he added.

The former Valencia defender, who won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup during his time in Spain, explained that his intention was to intervene and separate players after tensions escalated on the pitch.

“When the game ends, I see a brawl in the middle of the pitch, and we go to get our players, and it ends like that because that’s not who we are,” Ayala said.

He also addressed his exchange with Spain defender Eric Garcia, saying he had only tried to explain that his intention was to break up the confrontation and congratulate their opponents.

The post-final incidents also involved Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, while reports claimed Nahuel Molina struck Spain midfielder Rodri during the celebrations.