FIFA has taken disciplinary action against three Argentine players, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match ban for misconduct against Spanish opponents following the World Cup final. Paredes, who was involved in altercations with Eric Garcia and Gavi from the Spanish team, faces one of the harshest World Cup bans in history, reminiscent of the punishment handed to Luis Suarez of Uruguay in 2014.
Additionally, Argentina’s Nahuel Molina received a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada was banned for one game. The players were also fined varying amounts by FIFA, with Paredes and Molina facing fines of $90,000 each, and Almada fined $30,000.
The suspension effectively sidelines Paredes from the Argentina national team for a year, covering the team’s scheduled matches until June 2027, which may include friendly games. Spain’s Gavi was also banned for one game, specifically a Nations League match against England on September 26 at Wembley.
Furthermore, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was penalized $110,000 for several incidents during the World Cup, such as players displaying a political banner and discriminatory chants by fans. FIFA mandated that AFA allocate $100,000 towards anti-racism initiatives. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from the World Cup.
AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In 2014, Suarez faced a similar ban for biting an opponent during a World Cup game, and Paredes’ suspension matches that of Josip Simunic of Croatia in 2013 for inappropriate behavior during a World Cup qualifier.
The confrontations during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain led to assault charges by FIFA, with Argentina facing restrictions in their next home game attendance and additional potential sanctions. Spain secured victory in the final, with FIFA ordering Argentina to play in a stadium at 50% capacity for their next home match.