FIFA has handed down sanctions to three Argentina players following their actions in the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban for physically engaging with Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi. This punishment is one of the harshest in World Cup history, comparable to the suspension given to Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014.
Additionally, Argentina’s Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, with Almada facing a $30,000 penalty. Paredes’ suspension effectively sidelines him from the Argentina national team for a year, as FIFA’s schedule includes 10 games until June 2027, potentially all being friendly matches.
Spain’s Gavi was also banned for a single game, specifically the Nations League clash against England at Wembley on September 26. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the incidents. The Argentine Football Association faced a $110,000 fine for various infractions during the World Cup, including political displays and discriminatory fan behavior.
Argentina is expected to appeal the sanctions, with the possibility of escalating the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The AFA plans to challenge FIFA’s decisions following a thorough review process. In previous instances, players like Suarez and Simunic faced severe penalties for on-field misconduct during international competitions.
The confrontations during the final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were classified as assault cases by FIFA, stemming from Argentina’s loss to Spain. The game saw limited scoring chances, with Spain’s Ferran Torres netting the decisive goal in extra time. As part of the disciplinary actions, Argentina has been mandated to host their next home game at a stadium operating at 50% capacity, with the possibility of further sanctions pending review.