Argentina players' punishment reduced for brawl at 2026 World Cup final
FIFA has suspended four members of the Argentine national team for a brawl at the 2026 World Cup final. Now they can serve the suspension not only in official matches, but also in friendly matches.
**Argentine players' punishments reduced for brawl at 2026 World Cup final**
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has approved the official request of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to allow the sanctions imposed on Argentine players who caused a brawl at the 2026 World Cup final to be carried over to friendly matches. This was reported by the AFA press service.
Earlier, on August 21, FIFA imposed a number of sanctions on four members of the Argentine national team due to a brawl after the 2026 World Cup final. According to him, midfielder Leandro Paredes was suspended for ten matches and fined $90,000, defender Nauel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000, midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000, and coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
The AFA sent an official request to FIFA to ensure that the sanctions imposed on its players and the association during the 2026 World Cup finals apply not only to official matches but also to friendly matches.
“Based on the letter submitted by the AFA, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee considers that this request has been satisfied in accordance with the current regulations,” the statement said.
In the 2026 World Cup final, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time (106th minute).
A brawl broke out on the pitch as the final whistle blew. First, Molina kicked Spain captain Rodri, who was running past. After that, Paredes choked Spanish defender Eric Garcia and then pushed Gavi. The players were separated by teammates. Ayala, a member of the Argentina national team coaching staff, tried to kick Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo.
In addition, AFA was fined $321,000 for violating four articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code: using a sporting event for political demonstrations (political banner after the semi-final), unacceptable team behavior, discriminatory and racist abuse by fans, as well as violations of order and security during matches.