FIFA has suspended three Argentina players for incidents that occurred after the World Cup final loss to Spain, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match ban for physical contact with Spanish opponents.
FIFA has issued significant disciplinary measures against Argentina following confrontations that took place immediately after the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for grabbing Spain player Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground during the post-match fracas. The ban is comparable in severity to Luis Suarez's 2014 World Cup suspension, marking it among the harshest penalties in tournament history.
Two other Argentina players also faced suspensions. Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban, while attacking midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one match. All three players were fined, with Paredes and Molina each facing $90,000 penalties and Almada receiving a $30,000 fine. Additionally, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine for his involvement in the incident.
Paredes' 10-match suspension effectively represents approximately one year away from Argentina national team play, as FIFA's schedule includes 10 games through June 2027, though these are anticipated to be friendly matches with no competitive fixtures currently planned. Spain's Gavi was also sanctioned with a one-game suspension covering a Nations League match against England.
Beyond the player suspensions, FIFA fined the Argentina football federation $110,000 for various infractions during the tournament, including players displaying a political banner about the Falkland Islands following the semifinal victory over England and discriminatory chanting by supporters. The federation was ordered to allocate $100,000 toward antiracism initiatives. Argentina has the right to appeal these sanctions through FIFA and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
