Paredes banned for 10 matches for punching opponent in 2026 World Cup final
FIFA has punished the Argentina national team for political demonstrations, derogatory chants from fans, and a brawl in the final. Four Argentine national team members and one Spanish player have also been fined and suspended.
Paredes banned for 10 matches for punching opponent in 2026 World Cup final
The International Football Association (FIFA) Disciplinary Committee has fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 for the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA press service reported this.
The sanctions were imposed for violating four articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code:
* Using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations;
* Inappropriate team behavior;
* Discrimination and racist abuse;
* Order and security at matches.
In addition, the AFA is required to play its next two home matches with a limited number of spectators (no more than 50% of the stadium capacity). $100,000 of the fine must be directed to the anti-discrimination program. Part of the sanctions – one match and a $100,000 fine – were suspended on probation.
After the victory over England in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, Argentine players unfurled a banner with the inscription "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas Islands belong to Argentina) – this was considered a political demonstration. The conflict over the Falkland Islands (known in Argentina as the Islas Malvinas) has been going on since the 20th century. In 1982, a war broke out between Great Britain and Argentina over the archipelago, which resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentines and 255 British servicemen. The islands remained under British control.
The disciplinary committee also imposed sanctions on Leandro Paredes, Nauel Molina, Tiago Almada and Roberto Ayala (all from Argentina) and Gavi (from Spain) for the scandal that followed the final match. The brawl began when Molina hit Spain's captain Rodri. Paredes then choked Spain defender Eric Garcia and pushed Gavi. The players were separated by their teammates. Argentina national team coach Roberto Ayala tried to hit Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo.
The most severe punishment was given to Paredes - the midfielder was suspended for 10 matches for the national team and fined $90,000. Molina was suspended for 7 matches and also fined $90,000. Coach Ayala was suspended for 3 matches and fined $30,000. Almada and Gavi were suspended for one match and fined $30,000 each.
Recall that the 2026 World Cup final ended with Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. The only goal was scored in extra time by Ferran Torres, as a result of which Spain became world champions for the second time in history.