World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned three Argentina players for their involvement in a brawl with Spain players immediately after their team lost the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension, defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches, and midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one match. The penalties were announced following the heated on-pitch clashes that occurred after last month's tense final.
Specifically, Paredes was accused of grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck and pushing midfielder Gavi to the ground. The sanction against the Argentina player is considered one of the harshest in World Cup history, matching the ban given to Uruguay striker Luis Suarez in 2014 for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
In addition to the suspensions, FIFA fined Paredes $90,000, Molina $90,000, and Almada $30,000. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was also fined $110,000 for various infractions during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner about the Falkland Islands after the semifinal win over England and racist chants from fans. Furthermore, the AFA was ordered to allocate $100,000 to anti-racism projects.
Paredes' ban effectively sidelines him for nearly a year, as the national team has 10 matches on its schedule through June 2027, all of which are likely to be friendlies since no official fixtures are planned. On the Spanish side, Gavi also received a one-match ban, specifically for the Nations League clash against England at Wembley on September 26. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was additionally given a three-match touchline ban and fined $30,000.
The AFA can appeal the harsher suspensions and fines to FIFA, and subsequently to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In last month's final, Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after conceding in the second half of extra time, with midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off. Spain largely controlled the match, and Argentina created few scoring opportunities. According to FIFA data, Argentina received $34 million in prize money from the World Cup.
