Argentina's Paredes banned 10 games for World Cup clashes
FIFA suspends Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and Nahuel Molina for 7, fining the AFA $321,000 following 2026 World Cup final chaos.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Leandro Paredes receives a 10-match ban and a 90,000 dollar fine for post-final altercations
- Teammate Nahuel Molina is suspended for 7 matches alongside an identical fine
- The Argentine FA faces a 321,000 dollar fine for team misconduct and political banners
- All international match suspensions apply strictly to fixtures at the international level
FIFA's disciplinary committee has handed down substantial penalties to the Argentine Football Association and several players following ugly on-field clashes and brawls that erupted after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, who plays his club football for Argentinian side Boca Juniors, received the harshest punishment. He was slapped with a 10-match suspension in international fixtures and a 90,000 dollar fine, roughly 66,000 pounds, after grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground before striking him.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
His compatriot Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match suspension and an equal 90,000 dollar fine after reportedly punching man of the match Rodri as the midfielder ran to celebrate Spain's championship victory.
The Argentine Football Association, known as the AFA, was fined a total of 321,000 dollars, approximately 235,000 pounds, for multiple breaches of disciplinary codes. These violations encompassed using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory gestures by supporters.
This heavy sanction highlights world football governing body's determination to protect the reputation of its flagship tournament, which was broadcast to an estimated 1.5 billion people globally. FIFA is clearly drawing a hard line against unspandable chaotic scenes and political demonstrations tarnishing the sport's biggest stage.
In addition to the fines, penalties stemmed from an incident where several Argentina players displayed a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, referred to as the Malvinas, following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England. Consequently, FIFA ordered 100,000 dollars of the fine to fund anti-discrimination initiatives, while enforcing a fifty percent capacity restriction on Argentina's next two home matches, with one game suspended.
"There were many elements of Argentina's behaviour around the World Cup final that left a sour taste – now world governing body Fifa has come down hard on those it feels were responsible."
Chief football news reporter
Gavi and Thiago Almada were each fined 30,000 dollars and given a one-match suspension for their roles in the post-match fracas, while Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala received a three-match ban and a 30,000 dollar fine for striking Dani Olmo in the face. The AFA has stated its intention to appeal the sanctions and escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.
Source: BBC Sport
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