FIFA handed down sanctions to three Argentine players on Friday following their actions in the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for his aggressive behavior towards Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi. This ban is one of the harshest in World Cup history, comparable to the punishment given to Luis Suarez of Uruguay in 2014.
In addition to Paredes, 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 a year, as the FIFA national team calendar includes 10 matches until June 2027, most likely friendly games.
Spain’s Gavi also faced a one-game ban for an upcoming Nations League match against England. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the incidents during the World Cup.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $110,000 for various infractions during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner and discriminatory behavior by fans. Additionally, FIFA 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 to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the future. In a statement, the federation expressed its intention to challenge the rulings through the appropriate channels.
Notable previous cases of severe sanctions by FIFA include Luis Suarez’s suspension in 2014 for biting an opponent and Josip Simunic’s ban in 2013 for inappropriate conduct during a World Cup qualifier. The confrontations in the recent final between Argentina and Spain led to assault charges by FIFA, following a contentious match where Spain emerged victorious with a late goal in extra time. As part of the disciplinary measures, FIFA mandated that Argentina’s next home game be played at a stadium with reduced capacity, with further sanctions deferred pending a probationary period.