Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 international matches for his involvement in the incidents that followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee also imposed a seven-match ban on Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, while the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has been hit with a substantial financial penalty for several breaches of the disciplinary code.
Argentina have additionally been ordered to play their next two home internationals at 50% stadium capacity. However, one of those matches has been suspended, meaning the restriction will only be activated if further disciplinary issues occur during the specified period.
The AFA has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for a number of offences, including using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct and discriminatory chants or gestures from supporters.
As part of the punishment, FIFA has instructed the AFA to allocate $100,000 (£73,000) towards a programme aimed at combating discrimination. A further $100,000 of the fine has been suspended and will remain subject to a probationary period.
The disciplinary proceedings also examined incidents earlier in Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England, several Argentina players displayed a banner referring to Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.
FIFA subsequently appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the events that occurred after the final whistle in the World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Several members of the Argentina squad and coaching staff became involved in confrontations with Spanish players.
Paredes was found to have played a significant role in the altercations. He grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling Gavi to the ground and appearing to strike the Barcelona midfielder in the face. Alongside his 10-match suspension, Paredes has been ordered to pay a $90,000 (£66,000) fine.
Molina has received the same financial penalty in addition to his seven-match international suspension.
Gavi, who said he did not believe Paredes deserved punishment, has himself been given a one-match ban and a $30,000 (£22,000) fine for his involvement in the post-match incidents. Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada has received an identical sanction.
Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala has also been punished, receiving a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine after being found to have struck Spain’s Dani Olmo in the face.
The suspensions will apply only to international fixtures, meaning the players will remain available for their respective clubs during domestic and other club competitions.
The AFA has rejected the sanctions and confirmed that it intends to appeal FIFA’s decisions. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the Argentine federation has indicated that it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Watch MaltaSport Podcast 👇
