FIFA cuts Molina's ban to four matches but keeps Paredes's suspension and AFA fine

The appeal ruling

FIFA's appeal committee has partly upheld the sanctions that followed the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on 19 July 2026, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time in New York. The committee cut the suspension of Nahuel Molina from seven matches to four and lowered his fine to 60,000 dollars. Molina's fine had originally matched the 90,000 dollars imposed on Leandro Paredes. Paredes keeps his 10-match suspension and his 90,000-dollar fine, and his appeal was rejected. The 321,000-dollar fine on the Argentine football federation (AFA) also stands, and the case is far from over.

What happened after the final

According to match reports, Molina punched Spain's Rodri after the final whistle, as Rodri walked onto the pitch to celebrate the win. That blow set off a wider confrontation between the two squads. Paredes pushed Eric García away and then tried to punch Gavi, who was on the ground inside a crowd of players from both teams. The original disciplinary decision had also suspended Thiago Almada and Gavi for one match each, with fines of 30,000 dollars. Gavi was the only Spanish player sanctioned.

The AFA's response

The AFA said on Friday, 6 November, that it would take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), based in Lausanne, once FIFA hands over the written reasons for its decision. Coverage of the announcement continued on 7 November. The federation says it has enough factual and legal arguments to lodge the appeal. FIFA's fine on the AFA cites improper team conduct, the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, and discriminatory chants and gestures from fans. The grounds also include political messages during the tournament, such as a banner shown after the semi-final against England that read 'Las Malvinas son argentinas'.

Fines and suspensions

After the appeal, Paredes faces 10 matches and a 90,000-dollar fine, Molina faces four matches and 60,000 dollars, and the AFA owes 321,000 dollars. Molina's suspension was the only penalty reduced, from seven matches to four. The FIFA fine on the AFA was confirmed without change. Because the written grounds have not yet been released, the appeal process is still open and the sanctions are not final.

Leandro Paredes90,000

Nahuel Molina60,000

Argentine football federation (AFA)321,000

Leandro Paredes

90000 USD

Nahuel Molina

60000 USD

Argentine football federation (AFA)

321000 USD

Data from the article text