All 21 members of Chile's U-20 squad were detained but later released by Canadian police in the wake of their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Toronto last night, a FIFA spokesperson told a press conference today.

"There was an incident between the Chilean players and the police in front of the stadium, which is currently being investigated by all the parties involved. The 21 players were detained and later released," said John Schumacher, FIFA's spokesperson at the tournament.

The spokesman for world football's governing body did not give any details of the altercation, which happened as the players were making their way to the team bus after a semi-final defeat that ended with Chile reduced to nine men, which left them aggrieved.

"The incident is being investigated by FIFA, the (local) Organising Committee, the police and the Chilean Federation. It will take some time for the different parties to prepare their versions of events, and for these to be examined," added Schumacher. The spokesman also stated that the police are in the process of preparing a report on the incident, but that, at present, no charges have been brought against any of the players.

"We're not in a position to offer any more details. The 21 players were taken to a room in the stadium so the situation could de-escalate. Later the entire Chilean delegation were there. All I can say is that they were there and the situation was under control," said Schumacher.