FIFA issued severe penalties, including hefty fines and suspensions, for the chaotic scenes and non-sporting demonstrations after the 2026 World Cup final.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has received a 10-match ban from FIFA's disciplinary committee for his prominent role in the on-field altercations that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. The ruling, announced on August 21, 2026, marks a significant blow to the South American team.

In addition to Paredes' lengthy suspension, his teammate Nahuel Molina also faces a substantial seven-match ban. These decisions are part of a broader crackdown by FIFA following the turbulent events that marred the conclusion of football's premier tournament at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The sanctions extend beyond individual players, with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) incurring a hefty fine and stadium restrictions for various infractions. The governing body will appeal the disciplinary committee's findings, according to reporting by BBC Sport - World Cup.

Player Sanctions and Specific Incidents

Paredes' 10-match suspension stems from his aggressive involvement in the post-match confrontations. Reports indicate he grabbed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and then wrestled midfielder Gavi to the ground, appearing to strike him in the face during the melee.

Despite his involvement, Gavi, who reportedly stated Paredes should not be punished, still received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his part in the clashes. Argentina's Thiago Almada was also handed an identical one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Nahuel Molina’s seven-match ban follows an incident where he allegedly punched Spain's Rodri, who was celebrating Spain's victory at the time. Both Paredes and Molina were also hit with individual fines of $90,000 each.

The disciplinary action wasn't limited to players. Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for striking Spain's Dani Olmo in the face. All player and staff suspensions will be enforced only in international fixtures.

AFA Penalties and Broader Misconduct Charges

The Argentina Football Association itself has been heavily penalized, facing a substantial fine of $321,000. This fine addresses several breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code, including the use of a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations.

Specifically, this refers to an incident after Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, where several players displayed a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. FIFA also cited team misconduct and discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters.

As part of the ruling, FIFA mandated that $100,000 of the AFA's fine must be invested into a dedicated plan to combat discrimination. An additional $100,000 of the fine is suspended, contingent on a probationary period, underlining FIFA's stern stance on such issues.

Beyond the financial penalties, Argentina has also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% stadium capacity. One of these match sanctions, however, remains suspended, providing a potential reprieve.

FIFA's Strict Stance and Argentina's Appeal

FIFA's disciplinary committee has clearly taken a severe approach, emphasizing its annoyance that the World Cup's showpiece occasion was "tarnished by such awful scenes." The governing body is determined to maintain the integrity of its events, broadcast globally to an estimated 1.5 billion people.

The AFA has publicly stated its intention to appeal these sanctions to FIFA's appeal body. Should that appeal prove unsuccessful, the association plans to escalate its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), signaling a potential prolonged legal battle over the penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Leandro Paredes banned for 10 games?

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban from FIFA for his aggressive actions during post-match clashes after the 2026 World Cup final. He was cited for grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground, also appearing to strike Gavi's face.

What other penalties did FIFA impose on Argentina?

Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban, while Gavi and Thiago Almada each got one-match suspensions. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 and ordered to play two home matches with 50% stadium capacity, partly for non-sporting demonstrations like the Falkland Islands banner.

Where will the player and staff suspensions apply?

The match suspensions handed to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Gavi, Thiago Almada, and coaching staff member Roberto Ayala will only be enforced in international fixtures, such as World Cup qualifiers or other FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.

Will Argentina appeal the FIFA sanctions?

Yes, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has confirmed its intention to appeal all sanctions imposed by FIFA's disciplinary committee. If the appeal to FIFA is unsuccessful, the AFA plans to take its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).