FIFA handed down suspensions to three Argentina players on Friday following an altercation with Spain opponents post the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a significant 10-match ban for his actions, which included grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. This ban is among the most severe in World Cup history, similar to the sanctions imposed on Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014.
In addition to Paredes, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was given a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, and Almada was fined $30,000. Paredes’ ban effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for a year, as FIFA’s national team schedule includes 10 games up to June 2027, with potential matches being friendlies.
Spain’s Gavi also faced consequences, receiving a one-game ban for an upcoming Nations League match against England at Wembley Stadium on September 26. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner after defeating England in the semifinals and discriminatory chants by fans. FIFA also mandated AFA to allocate $100,000 towards anti-racism initiatives. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from FIFA for their World Cup performance.
AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA, with a potential further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In the past, similar cases like Luis Suarez’s biting incident in 2014 and Josip Simunic’s actions in 2013 have resulted in significant bans.
The altercations during the World Cup final, which FIFA labeled as assault cases, occurred after Argentina’s loss to Spain. Spain’s Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time, with Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez being sent off. FIFA also mandated that Argentina’s next home game be played at a stadium operating at 50% capacity, with the possibility of further sanctions on standby.