Daijiworld Media Network - Zurich
Zurich, Aug 22: FIFA has imposed a 10-match suspension on Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for his involvement in the post-match confrontation with Spain players following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with several other players and officials also punished.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced the sanctions on Friday following its investigation into incidents that occurred after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
Paredes received the most severe punishment, with a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and fined $30,000. Spain midfielder Gavi was also suspended for one international match and fined $30,000. The match suspensions will be served in the next games of the respective national teams.
The sanctions stem from the confrontation that broke out after the World Cup final. FIFA's earlier disciplinary proceedings had examined allegations of assault against Paredes, Molina and Ayala, while Almada, Molina and Gavi faced proceedings for unsporting behaviour.
Paredes was involved in a confrontation with Spain's Eric Garcia and was also seen knocking Gavi to the ground. Molina was punished for his involvement in the incidents, while Almada was sanctioned for his role in the confrontation. Ayala was also found to have been involved in the post-match violence.
The 10-match suspension effectively keeps Paredes out of Argentina's national-team fixtures for a significant period. The sanctions apply to international matches and do not affect the players' club football.
AFA fined over multiple incidents
FIFA also imposed a total fine of $321,000 on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for several disciplinary breaches during the World Cup.
The offences included the display of a political banner referring to the Falkland Islands after Argentina's semi-final victory over England, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, team misconduct and other violations of FIFA's disciplinary regulations.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home international matches with the stadium restricted to 50 per cent capacity. However, one of those match restrictions and $100,000 of the fine have been suspended during a probationary period.
FIFA has additionally ordered the AFA to spend $100,000 on a programme aimed at combating discrimination.
The political banner displayed by Argentine players after their semi-final win over England read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, referring to Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands. The incident was among the matters included in FIFA's disciplinary action against the AFA.
Argentina plans to appeal
The AFA has indicated that it intends to challenge the sanctions. The federation said its legal department would request FIFA's detailed reasoning behind the decisions before filing appeals with FIFA's Appeal Committee.
The federation also retains the option of taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). FIFA said the parties have 10 days to request the full, reasoned decisions, after which the rulings can be appealed under the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The disciplinary action follows one of the most controversial endings to a World Cup final in recent years. Spain won the title 1-0 through Ferran Torres' extra-time goal after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off.
The post-match confrontation then overshadowed the celebrations, prompting FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings on July 29.
FIFA's latest decision brings the total suspensions involving Argentina players and staff to 21 matches, while Gavi is the only Spain player punished in connection with the final incident.