BARCELONA (Kashmir English): FIFA has taken strict action after clashes between players from Spain and Argentina following the 2026 World Cup final, suspending Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for 10 matches, Nahuel Molina for 7 matches, and team official Roberto Ayala for 3 matches.
Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi will also face 1-match bans, while the Argentine Football Association has been fined a total of $321,000 and ordered to limit the capacity of spectators at future home matches to 50%.
The decisions came after an investigation into the incidents that took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium following the 0-1 defeat by Spain on July 19.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has banned Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and fined him $90,000.
Argentina’s other player, Nahuel Molina, has been suspended for seven matches and also fined $90,000.
FIFA said the action was taken after an investigation into incidents that occurred between players and officials from both teams at the end of the World Cup final.
Argentina’s Thiago Almada has been given a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine, while Argentina team official Roberto Ayala has been suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
Spain’s Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, known as Gavi, was also given a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.
Players from both teams and an Argentine team official have been disciplined for the post-final altercation.
FIFA Fined the Argentina Football Association
FIFA has also fined the Argentine Football Association a total of $321,000 for various violations.
According to FIFA, Argentina has been found guilty of using sporting events for demonstrations outside of the game, inappropriate team behavior, discriminatory chants and gestures by fans, violations of security regulations and other irregularities.
FIFA has ordered $100,000 of the fine to be allocated to anti-discrimination measures, while another $100,000 in fines has been suspended.
FIFA has also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with 50% capacity, but has suspended the ban for one of those matches. The bans on players and team officials will apply to their national team’s upcoming matches.
FIFA said the parties concerned have 10 days to request a detailed decision setting out the reasons for the decisions. The parties concerned can also appeal against these decisions under FIFA regulations.
