FIFA handed down suspensions to three Argentine players on Friday following altercations with Spanish opponents after the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban for his actions, which involved grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. This punishment is comparable to the severe sanctions imposed on Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014 during a World Cup event.
Additionally, Argentina’s Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, while Almada was fined $30,000. Paredes’ ban effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for a year due to the national team’s schedule, which includes 10 games until June 2027, potentially comprising only friendly matches.
Spain’s Gavi was also banned for one game, affecting his participation in a Nations League match against England on September 26 at Wembley. Argentina’s coach, Roberto Ayala, faced a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his actions. Moreover, the Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, such as displaying a political banner regarding the Falkland Islands and discriminatory fan chants.
AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines first to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In a statement, the federation expressed its intention to review FIFA’s rulings and pursue appeals if deemed necessary.
Notably, Paredes’ 10-game ban echoes the case of Josip Simunic from Croatia in 2013 for similar conduct. The altercations in the final match between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford led to FIFA framing them as assault cases, following Argentina’s loss where they were largely outperformed by Spain. FIFA disciplinary judges also mandated Argentina to play their next home game in a stadium operating at 50% capacity, with the possibility of additional sanctions and a fine pending during probationary periods.