FIFA has issued a wave of disciplinary sanctions against Argentina following the ugly scenes that marred the conclusion of the World Cup 2026 final against Spain, with midfielder Leandro Paredes bearing the brunt of the punishment.
Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches and fined $90,000 after he was filmed hurling Spain's Gavi to the ground and grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat during the post-match chaos. The confrontation erupted moments after Spain secured the title thanks to Ferran Torres' extra-time strike, denying Argentina a chance to defend their crown.
According to FIFA's disciplinary committee, the brawl was ignited when Argentina full-back Nahuel Molina struck Spain captain Rodri. Molina has been handed a seven-match ban along with a $90,000 fine for his role in starting the melee. Paredes then became embroiled in the fracas, escalating the situation further with his actions against Gavi and Garcia.
Other Argentina personnel were also caught up in the sanctions. Head coach Roberto Ayala, who was involved in the on-field chaos himself, received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Midfielder Thiago Almada was given a one-match ban and fined $30,000 for his part in the incident.
On the Spanish side, Gavi—whose full name is Pablo Martín Páez Gavira—was also sanctioned, receiving a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, indicating that FIFA found fault on both sides of the confrontation despite Argentina facing the harsher overall punishment.
Notably, FIFA confirmed that no red card was issued to Paredes during the match itself, meaning the extent of his involvement only came to light through a subsequent investigation launched by the governing body's disciplinary committee the day after the final.
Beyond the individual sanctions, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) itself was fined a substantial $321,000. FIFA cited multiple breaches of its disciplinary code, including using the event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentine supporters. The federation was also penalized for failing to maintain order and security around the match.
The scale of the punishments underscores how seriously FIFA treated the post-final disorder, which cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory occasion for Spain following their triumph. The clashes broke out in full view of cameras and spectators, turning the immediate aftermath of the final into a chaotic scene rather than the customary celebrations and commiserations.
With Paredes now sidelined for 10 matches and Molina for seven, Argentina will be without two experienced squad members for a significant stretch of upcoming fixtures. Ayala's three-game touchline ban will also test the depth of Argentina's coaching staff in the near term.
FIFA's statement made clear that the investigation examined the full sequence of events leading up to and during the brawl, rather than focusing solely on what was visible to match officials at the time. The governing body appears intent on sending a message that such conduct, even when missed by on-field officials, will be addressed retrospectively and punished accordingly.
Based on reporting from The Independent and BBC Sport.