Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match international ban following on-field clashes that erupted after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The sanctions were announced by FIFA following an investigation into the mass altercation that unfolded after the final whistle at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FIFA Hand Down Heavy Suspensions and Fines Over World Cup Final Brawl
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee penalised several players and staff members after reviewing the post-match scenes, which followed Spain’s extra-time victory. Paredes, who faces three assault counts according to CNA, grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled midfielder Gavi to the ground. In addition to his 10-match suspension, Paredes was fined $90,000.
Player and Staff Penalties Across Both Squads
The disciplinary fallout extended to several other individuals involved in the fracas. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine. According to The New York Times, Molina appeared to strike Spain midfielder Rodri in the stomach as players rushed onto the pitch.
Additional sanctions include:
- Thiago Almada (Argentina): One-match ban and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
- Roberto Ayala (Argentina coaching staff): Three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for one count of assault, after striking Dani Olmo in the face.
- Gavi (Spain): One-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, making him the only member of the Spanish squad to be sanctioned.
Gavi stated that he did not think Paredes should be punished for his role in the confrontation. FIFA confirmed that all player and staff match suspensions will be enforced strictly in international fixtures and will not carry over to club level.
Argentine Football Association Fined for Disciplinary Breaches
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with heavy financial penalties and stadium restrictions over multiple infractions. While reports on the exact total of the federation fine varied slightly between $310,000 and $321,000, FIFA penalized the governing body for team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, order and security issues, and using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations.
As part of the federation penalties, FIFA ordered that a portion of the fine—$100,000—must be directly invested into a plan to combat discrimination. Another $100,000 of the fine was suspended under a probationary period.
Furthermore, Argentina was ordered to play its next two home matches with stadium capacity limited to 50 percent, though one match of that attendance sanction was also suspended. The disciplinary measures also touched on controversy from earlier in the tournament, noting that several Argentina players had displayed a banner claiming Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their semi-final victory over England.
AFA Prepares Grounds for Appeal
In response to the rulings, the AFA announced that its legal department would request the motivated grounds for the decisions from FIFA before formally filing an appeal. Andres Paton Urich, the AFA’s legal manager, indicated that their initial efforts are focused on reducing the length of the suspensions handed to Paredes and Molina.
The AFA stated that if an initial appeal before football’s governing bodies is unsuccessful, it is prepared to take the case as a last resort to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
