FIFA bans Argentina’s Paredes for 10 games after World Cup final brawl
ZURICH: Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches for his role in a post-match brawl following their defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA said on Friday.
Teammate Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban after the incident, which occurred at the final whistle as Spain’s substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate their victory.
Paredes shoved Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground during the confrontation. FIFA said Paredes faced three charges of assault, while Molina was charged twice. Both players were also fined $90,000.
Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi were each suspended for one match for unsporting behaviour, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban for his involvement. All three were fined $30,000.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined a total of $321,000 for several disciplinary breaches during the tournament.
The sanctions included the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England, as well as team misconduct and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters.
FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with stadium capacity restricted to 50%.
The governing body said $100,000 of the AFA’s fine must be invested in an anti-discrimination programme, although implementation of part of the sanction has been suspended during a probationary period.
The rulings remain subject to appeal. The AFA said its legal department would seek FIFA’s grounds for the decisions before deciding on further action.
