FIFA bans Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and fines Argentina $321,000 over World Cup final scuffle
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 matches and defender Nahuel Molina for seven following confrontations after the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Disciplinary rulings on players and staff
FIFA announced on Friday that Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes of Boca Juniors received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine for his actions following the World Cup final. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who recently joined Roma, received a seven-match ban alongside an identical $90,000 fine, ruling him out of Argentina's matches in the September international window. The governing body also disciplined Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada and Spanish midfielder Gavi, handing each player a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala, a member of Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff, received a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine after previously apologising for his conduct.
- Leandro Paredes
- 10 matches
- Nahuel Molina
- 7 matches
- Roberto Ayala
- 3 matches
- Thiago Almada
- 1 matches
- Gavi
- 1 matches
Post-match confrontations in New Jersey
The penalties follow an altercation that took place on 19 July 2026 at New Jersey Stadium immediately after the final whistle in Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. Paredes was cited on three assault counts after grabbing Spanish defender Eric Garcia by the neck and shoving Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Gavi had intervened in an attempt to protect his teammate before being knocked down. Molina faced two assault counts for striking Spanish midfielder Rodri as the player walked across the pitch. Almada and Gavi each faced one count of unsporting behaviour, while Ayala faced an assault count. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee formally opened an inquiry on 29 July before issuing the final decisions.
- Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final as post-match scuffles break out
- FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens a formal inquiry into the incidents
- FIFA announces bans for four players, one coach, and penalties for the Argentine federation
Sanctions on the Argentine Football Association
In addition to the penalties against individual players and staff, the Argentine Football Association received a cumulative fine of $321,000. FIFA cited multiple disciplinary code breaches, including Article 13 for non-sporting demonstrations, Article 14 for team misconduct, Article 15 covering discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and Article 17 regarding match order and security. FIFA also ordered Argentina to restrict spectator attendance to 50% of capacity for its next two home matches. A specified portion of the financial penalty must be directed into equality initiatives.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee further determined that $100,000 of the $321,000 must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination.
Tournament infractions and appeals process
The non-sporting demonstration citation under Article 13 followed Argentina players displaying a banner reading "Las Malvinas Son Argentinas" ("The Falklands are Argentine") after their semi-final win over England. FIFA regulations strictly prohibit using international sports events for political demonstrations. Under the final ruling, the enforcement of one closed-capacity match and $100,000 of the financial penalty is suspended under a probationary period. All decisions handed down by the disciplinary committee remain subject to formal appeals by the respective federations and players.
The implementation of part of the sanction (one of the two matches and $100,000 of the fine) is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.
