FIFA has sanctioned three Argentina players, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension for physical altercations with Spain opponents following the World Cup final. Paredes’ ban, which involved grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground, is one of the harshest in World Cup history, comparable to the punishment handed to Luis Suarez in 2014.
In addition to Paredes, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has been suspended for seven games, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, and Almada was fined $30,000. Paredes’ suspension effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for a year as the FIFA calendar includes 10 national team games until June 2027, although these matches might be friendly games.
Spain’s Gavi has also been banned for one game, specifically missing a Nations League match against England at Wembley on Sept. 26. Furthermore, Argentina’s coach, Roberto Ayala, faces a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, such as players displaying a political banner after the semifinal win against England and discriminatory fan behavior. FIFA has instructed the AFA to allocate $100,000 toward anti-racism initiatives. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from the World Cup.
The AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA and, if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In a statement, the federation expressed its intention to seek clarification from FIFA on the rulings for possible appeals.
The 10-game ban imposed on Paredes is reminiscent of the punishment Josip Simunic received in 2013 for Croatia after a World Cup qualifying playoff. Simunic had incited fans with slogans linked to the country’s pro-Nazi regime during World War II.
The altercations during the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were considered assault cases by FIFA. Argentina, which lost the final to Spain, was directed by FIFA to hold its next home game in a stadium at 50% capacity. Additional sanctions and a $100,000 penalty were deferred by FIFA for probationary periods.