FIFA has handed down bans to three Argentina players following their actions after losing the World Cup final to Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for his actions, which included grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. This ban is among the harshest in World Cup history, comparable to the sanctions imposed on Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014.
In addition to Paredes, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven games, and Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, while Almada was fined $30,000 by FIFA. Paredes’ ban effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for around a year, as the FIFA calendar includes 10 games until June 2027, all of which could be friendlies as no competitive matches are currently scheduled.
Spain’s Gavi was also banned for one game, specifically a Nations League match against England on Sept. 26. Furthermore, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the incidents.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $110,000 for various World Cup-related incidents, including players displaying a political banner after the semifinal win against England and discriminatory chants by fans. FIFA also mandated that AFA allocate $100,000 towards anti-racism projects. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from FIFA for their World Cup performance.
AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA, with a potential further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In a statement, the federation expressed its intention to review the rulings and pursue appeals through the appropriate channels.
The 10-game ban imposed on Paredes is reminiscent of the punishment handed to Josip Simunic of Croatia in 2013 for leading fans in a controversial chant after a World Cup qualifying playoff victory. The altercations following the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were classified by FIFA as assault cases and occurred after Argentina’s defeat to Spain.
The disciplinary measures also included a directive for Argentina to play their next home game in a stadium at 50% capacity. FIFA decided to defer a second stadium sanction and a $100,000 fine for probationary periods.