Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match suspension by FIFA following his involvement in the post-match clashes that marred Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
His Argentina teammate Nahuel Molina has also been suspended for seven matches after FIFA found him to have been involved in the altercations that broke out at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The disciplinary sanctions were announced following FIFA’s investigation into the incidents that occurred after Spain secured the World Cup title with a narrow victory over the defending champions.
The final ended in controversy after tensions between players from both sides spilled over following the final whistle. What had been an intense contest on the pitch was followed by confrontations involving members of the two teams.
Paredes was among the Argentina players involved in the clashes with Spain players. FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against the midfielder on three separate counts of assault.
Molina, meanwhile, was accused of striking Spain captain Rodri as Spanish players celebrated their victory. He faced two assault charges as well as a separate allegation of unsporting behavior.
Following its review of the incidents, FIFA imposed a 10-match ban on Paredes, while Molina received a seven-match suspension. The punishments represent a significant blow to Argentina, particularly with both players expected to play important roles in the national team’s upcoming international fixtures.
The suspensions will prevent the two players from representing Argentina for a considerable period and could affect the team’s preparations for future international competitions.
The Argentine Football Association, AFA, has also been punished over a number of disciplinary breaches connected to the World Cup final.
FIFA imposed a $321,000 (£243,000) fine on the AFA following allegations involving discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, team misconduct and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations.
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The governing body also imposed a stadium-related sanction on Argentina. The AFA has been ordered to play its next two home matches with restrictions on spectators. However, one match of the sanction has been suspended, meaning the full penalty will not immediately take effect unless further disciplinary violations occur.
The combined sanctions represent one of the most significant disciplinary consequences arising from the aftermath of the World Cup final.
Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina secured the country’s World Cup title and brought the tournament to a dramatic conclusion.
However, celebrations were overshadowed by the incidents that followed the final whistle, with tensions escalating between players from both teams.
The altercations prompted FIFA to launch a disciplinary investigation to determine the responsibility of the players and the nature of the offences committed.
Paredes and Molina were subsequently identified among those involved, leading to the charges and eventual suspensions.
For Argentina, the sanctions add to the disappointment of losing the final and failing to retain the World Cup title.
The AFA will now have to manage the absence of two players while also dealing with restrictions on spectators at upcoming home matches.
The FIFA sanctions are expected to serve as a warning to players and national associations about the consequences of misconduct during and after major international fixtures.
Argentina will now look to move beyond the controversy and focus on rebuilding ahead of its next competitive assignments, while Spain celebrates its triumph as world champions.
NewsBreakNaija
