FIFA has sanctioned three players from Argentina, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension for assaulting Spain opponents following the World Cup final. Paredes’ ban, which involved grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground, is considered one of the most severe in World Cup history, similar to the punishment handed to Luis Suarez of Uruguay in 2014.
In addition to Paredes, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban, while Thiago Almada was suspended for one game. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, and Almada was fined $30,000 by FIFA. Paredes’ suspension effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for a year due to the upcoming national team schedule with 10 games until June 2027, which may consist solely of friendly matches.
Spain’s Gavi was also banned for one game, specifically missing a Nations League match against England at Wembley on Sept. 26. Furthermore, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala faced a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the incidents. The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 for various infractions during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner regarding the Falkland Islands and discriminatory chants by fans.
FIFA mandated the Argentine Football Association to allocate $100,000 towards anti-racism projects and placed a $100,000 fine on probation. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from the World Cup. The Argentine Football Association has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA, with the possibility of further appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Historically, in 2014, Luis Suarez was suspended from all soccer activities for four months and missed additional competition games for Uruguay for biting an Italian player during a World Cup match. Paredes’ 10-game suspension is comparable to Josip Simunic’s ban in 2013 for Croatia after a World Cup qualifying playoff. The recent clashes at the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain led to assault charges by FIFA, following a tense match where Spain emerged victorious with a narrow goal from Ferran Torres in extra time.
FIFA disciplinary actions also included ordering Argentina to host their next home game in a stadium limited to 50% capacity, with the possibility of additional sanctions and fines pending.