FIFA imposes heavy sanctions on Argentina squad after World Cup Final chaos
The governing body has suspended four players and one official, while the Argentine Football Association faces a significant financial penalty and attendance restrictions following post-match disorder.
FIFA has issued a series of disciplinary sanctions following a post-match altercation between Argentina and Spain at the 2026 World Cup Final. The ruling targets four players and one team official, with Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving the harshest penalty.
Paredes was charged with assault after grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground immediately after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As a result, Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches and fined $90,000.
Fellow Argentine Nahuel Molina will miss seven games and face the same $90,000 fine. Team official Roberto Ayala, along with players Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi, have each been suspended for one match. All three were fined $30,000.
The Argentine Football Association has also been penalised for supporter misconduct. The governing body will be fined $321,000 and will face a 50 per cent attendance ban for its next two men’s home games.
The penalty cites breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code regarding non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination or racist abuse by supporters, and order and security at matches.
The incident occurred after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the final, which was notable for featuring the first Super Bowl-style half-time show in World Cup history.
