FIFA has issued bans to three Argentina players, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension for engaging in physical altercations with Spain opponents following the World Cup final defeat. Paredes, who was involved in an incident where he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground, faces one of the harshest sanctions in World Cup history, comparable to the punishment handed to Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014.
Additionally, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has been slapped with a seven-game ban, while Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension. The players were also fined, with Paredes and Molina each facing fines of $90,000 US, and Almada 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, though these games may be friendlies as no competitive matches are currently scheduled.
Spain’s Gavi has also been banned for one game, specifically the Nations League match against England at Wembley on Sept. 26. Furthermore, Argentine coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentine Football Association has been fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, such as players displaying a political banner regarding the Falkland Islands after the semifinal victory over England, and discriminatory chants from fans. Additionally, FIFA has mandated the AFA to allocate $100,000 towards 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, with the possibility of further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The federation stated that they will request the grounds for reviewable rulings from FIFA to pursue appeals with the governing body’s appeal committee and keep the option open for potential recourse to the CAS.
In a historical context, Suarez faced a similar ban in 2014 for biting an opponent during the World Cup, and Paredes’ 10-game suspension matches that of Josip Simunic in 2013 for inappropriate behavior during a World Cup qualifying playoff. The altercations in the recent final between Argentina and Spain occurred after a tense match where Spain emerged victorious with a single goal in extra time, leading to a red card for an Argentine player. As part of the disciplinary measures, FIFA has mandated Argentina to play their next home game in a stadium limited to 50% capacity, with potential additional sanctions and fines on hold pending further review.
