Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (5) knocks down Spain’s Gavi (9) during scuffle after the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York. File
| Photo Credit: AP
A 10-match suspension for midfielder Leandro Paredes was one of several sanctions FIFA imposed against Argentina on Friday (August 22, 2026) for their actions in last month’s World Cup final loss to Spain.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also fined Paredes $90,000 for sparking a post-match brawl after Spain’s 1-0 victory in extra time on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Argentina teammates Nahuel Molina (seven-match suspension, $90,000 fine) and Thiago Almada (one match, $30,000) and team official Roberto Ayala (three matches, $30,000) and Spain midfielder Gavi (one match, $30,000) also were disciplined.
FIFA also fined the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) $321,000 for various violations, including using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature; team misconduct; and discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters. Argentina was ordered to invest $100,000 of their fine in a plan to combat discrimination.
Argentina must also play their next two home matches with a spectator capacity limit of 50%, although one of the two matches and $100,000 of the fine are suspended during a probationary period.
Paredes, 32, who plays professionally with Argentina’s Boca Juniors, received a red card after the loss to Spain when he charged Spain defender Eric Garcia, grabbed him by the throat and knocked him to the turf. Video from the post- match scrum appeared to show Molina and Ayala throwing punches at opposing players.
The “demonstrations of a non-sporting nature” occurred when several Argentina players unfurled a banner about the Falkland Islands after their semifinal win against England. The banner read, “The Falklands are Argentine” and referenced the United Kingdom’s 1982 war with Argentina over possession of the islands.
Published – August 22, 2026 06:39 am IST
