Gavi urges restraint as FIFA investigates World Cup final confrontation
The Spanish international says Leandro Paredes should not face suspension for his role in the post-match altercation, despite FIFA appointing a prosecutor to assess potential sanctions.
Spain midfielder Gavi has publicly called for leniency regarding Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, stating the player should not be suspended for his involvement in a post-match confrontation following the 2026 World Cup final. The incident occurred after Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina, with video evidence showing Paredes pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat while Gavi attempted to intervene and was forced to the ground.
The altercation involved Argentina players Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, alongside assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, Gavi acknowledged that the behaviour was not a good image for children but argued that the physical and aggressive nature of football must be accepted. He suggested that the most logical outcome would have been for Paredes to be sent off during the match, implying that further post-match punishment is unnecessary.
FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the events, with potential suspensions for individuals and fines for the Argentine Football Association under consideration. The governing body confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken at the time of the match, correcting an earlier erroneous report on its commentator information system that Paredes had been sent off. The red card entry was deleted shortly after the match, and FIFA has confirmed to BBC Sport that no action was taken then.
Referee Slavko Vincic officiated the final at MetLife Stadium, where Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was dismissed for a second yellow card in second-half added time. The confrontation erupted seconds after the final whistle as Spain celebrated their victory. Gavi, an unused substitute for Spain, described the incident as part of the sport's inherent character, stating, "In the end, I think it's all football, and it has to be that way."
The appointment of the prosecutor marks the beginning of a formal review into the conduct of the players and coaching staff involved. While Gavi has urged against suspension, the disciplinary process remains open to determine whether additional sanctions are warranted beyond the on-field decisions made by the match officials.
