FIFA bans Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and fines Argentina $321,000

Sanctions for players and coaching staff

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee issued individual penalties on 21 August 2026 following the altercation at the conclusion of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine after facing three separate assault counts under Article 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven international matches and fined $90,000 on two assault charges, which included striking an opponent and an attempted act of violence. The suspensions apply strictly to national team fixtures, allowing Paredes to play for Boca Juniors and Molina for Roma.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension alongside a $30,000 fine for one assault count, having previously submitted an apology for his involvement. Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Spanish midfielder Gavi each received one-match bans and $30,000 fines after both faced one count of unsporting behaviour.

Incidents at the final whistle

The physical confrontations began immediately after the final whistle of the final on 19 July 2026 at New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Spain secured a 1-0 victory after extra time through a decisive goal from Ferran Torres, earning their second World Cup title and defeating defending champions Argentina. When referee Slavko Vinčić blew the final whistle, Spanish substitutes ran from the bench onto the pitch to begin their post-match celebrations.

During the initial moments of the celebration, Molina struck a Spanish opponent on the chest, and Paredes pushed Gavi to the turf. The confrontation expanded into a scuffle involving multiple substitutes and team personnel before match officials and stadium security separated the teams.

Penalties and stadium restrictions for the AFA

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) received a total fine of $321,000 for disciplinary violations across the tournament. On the pitch, Argentina registered the highest card count of the competition, collecting 13 yellow cards and one red card. The disciplinary committee also penalised the federation for team misconduct and non-sporting political messaging during the knockout stages.

Following Argentina's semi-final win against England, squad members displayed a banner declaring "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" (the Falkland Islands are Argentine), violating FIFA rules prohibiting political or non-sporting demonstrations at matches. The governing body also cited discriminatory and racist behaviour by Argentina supporters, including documented insults directed at internet personality Ishowspeed during the match against Cape Verde.

Under the ruling, Argentina must limit spectator capacity to 50% for its next home match, while a second 50% crowd restriction remains suspended under probation.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee further determined that $100,000 of the $321,000 must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination.

FIFA confirmed that $100,000 of the financial penalty is currently suspended subject to a probationary period. All disciplinary decisions announced by the committee remain open to legal appeal by the affected federations and individuals.