FIFA handed down sanctions to three Argentina players on Friday following their actions after losing the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a significant 10-match suspension for his actions towards Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi. This ban is among the harshest in World Cup history, comparable to the punishment given to Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014.
Additionally, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000 each, while Almada was fined $30,000. Paredes effectively faces a one-year expulsion from the Argentina team due to the FIFA national team schedule, which includes 10 games until June 2027, potentially only consisting of friendlies.
Spain’s Gavi also received 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. The Argentine Football Association faced a $110,000 fine for various incidents during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner and discriminatory chants by fans.
Argentina is expected to appeal the sanctions, with the possibility of further appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In past instances, such as the Suarez and Simunic cases, players faced significant bans for on-field incidents. The clashes during the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were deemed assault cases by FIFA, with Argentina losing to Spain in a contentious match.
FIFA instructed Argentina to host their next home game with stadium capacity limited to 50%, deferring additional sanctions and a $100,000 fine for probationary periods.
