FIFA has handed down suspensions to three Argentinian players following their actions in the aftermath of their World Cup final loss to Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a significant 10-match ban for his altercation with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi. This punishment is on par with the severe penalties imposed on Uruguay’s Luis Suarez during the 2014 World Cup. Defender Nahuel Molina was also hit with a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada faced a one-game ban. Additionally, fines of $90,000 and $30,000 were imposed on Paredes, Molina, and Almada, respectively.
Paredes’ suspension effectively sidelines him from the Argentina national team for a year, as the FIFA schedule includes 10 matches until June 2027, though these are likely to be friendly games. Spain’s Gavi was also handed a one-game ban, ruling him out of the Nations League match against England at Wembley on September 26. Furthermore, Argentina’s assistant coach, Roberto Ayala, received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was collectively fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner after the semifinal win against England and discriminatory chants by fans. FIFA also mandated that the AFA 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 first to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Notably, in 2014, Luis Suarez faced a four-month ban from all soccer activities and additional game suspensions for biting an opponent during the World Cup. Paredes’ 10-game suspension is comparable to Josip Simunic’s ban in 2013 for inappropriate conduct during a World Cup qualifying playoff.
The altercations at the World Cup final stemmed from Argentina’s defeat to Spain, with FIFA categorizing the incidents as assault cases. Spain secured victory with a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time, following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal. As part of the disciplinary measures, FIFA directed Argentina to host their next home game in a stadium operating at 50% capacity, with the possibility of further sanctions and probationary fines.