FIFA has taken disciplinary action against three players from Argentina following incidents during the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a significant 10-match suspension for his actions, which involved grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. This ban is one of the harshest in World Cup history, similar to the sanctions imposed on Luis Suarez in 2014.
Additionally, defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, with Almada facing a $30,000 fine. Paredes’ ban effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for a year, as the FIFA schedule includes 10 upcoming games until June 2027, although these games may be friendlies.
Spain’s Gavi also faced a one-game ban, impacting his participation in a Nations League match against England. Argentina’s coach, Roberto Ayala, received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner and discriminatory chants by fans. Additionally, FIFA mandated that the AFA allocate $100,000 towards anti-racism projects.
The AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Notably, Suarez’s ban in 2014 for biting an opponent equals the severity of Paredes’ suspension. The on-field altercations in the World Cup final resulted in assault charges by FIFA and a requirement for Argentina to host their next home game at a reduced capacity stadium. Additional sanctions have been deferred pending probationary periods.