FIFA has imposed severe disciplinary measures against three Argentina players following a violent brawl that erupted during the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for his role in the incident, which occurred shortly after Argentina lost the match. FIFA’s decision, which cites the event as an assault case, notes that Paredes grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground. This sanction is considered among the most severe in the history of the World Cup, comparable to the 2014 suspension of Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
In addition to the suspension, Paredes faces a fine of €76,000. For the player, the 10-match ban effectively amounts to a one-year absence from the national team, as the current FIFA calendar lists 10 scheduled fixtures through June 2027, all of which are currently classified as friendlies. The disciplinary action also affected other squad members: defender Nahuel Molina was issued a seven-game ban and a €76,000 fine, while Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension and a €25,000 fine.
Spain’s Gavi was also sanctioned with a one-game ban, which he is set to serve during the Nations League match against England at Wembley on 26 September. Furthermore, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a €25,000 fine. The Argentina football federation itself was ordered to pay a €94,000 fine for several infractions during the tournament, including the display of a political banner regarding the Falkland Islands following the semifinal victory against England, as well as discriminatory chanting by fans. FIFA has also mandated that the federation invest €85,500 in anti-racism initiatives. Argentina was awarded €29 million in total prize money from the tournament.
The federation retains the right to appeal these sanctions to FIFA and may subsequently take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The on-field confrontation took place after a tense final in which Argentina was largely outplayed by Spain. The match’s only goal was scored by Spain forward Ferran Torres during the second period of extra time, following the earlier dismissal of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
