Leandro Paredes has been handed a ten-match ban as several Argentina players were punished for their role in the disgraceful brawl following the World Cup 2026 final against Spain.
The Argentina midfielder was seen grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Barcelona’s Gavi to the ground.
In separate incidents, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, while assistant coach Ayala was captured punching Dani Olmo in the face after a brief verbal spat.
Molina has been dealt a seven-match ban, while Ayala has been suspended for three matches. Gavi, who was involved in the incident with Molina and Paredes, has also been hit with a one-match suspension.
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In a statement, FIFA said: ‘Following the submission of the report by the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor on the incidents that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina played at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the sanctions detailed below.
- Leandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.
- Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.
- Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
- Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and fine of USD 30,000.
- Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
In line with article 69 paragraphs 2 a) and 3 of the FDC, the match suspensions are carried over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams.
In addition, FIFA’s has also fined Argentina $321,000 for various breaches of their disciplinary code and ruled that they must play their next two home matches at 50 per cent capacity.
However, $100,000 of the fine and one of the match bans on full attendance will be suspended for a period of time.
‘Fines amounting to $321,000 for breaches of articles 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) in light of discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters, and 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),’ the statement added,
‘In addition, because of the breach associated with article 15 of the FDC, the AFA has been ordered to play its next two home matches with a limited number of spectators (50%).
‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee further determined that $100,000 of the $321,000 must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination; and the implementation of part of the sanction (one of the two matches and $100,000 of the fine) is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.’
More to follow…