10-Game Ban and $90,000 Fine Hit Paredes Following World Cup Final Brawl
FIFA handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension on August 21, 2026, following a post-match altercation at the World Cup final against Spain. The disciplinary measures immediately restrict key squad members for the Argentine national team and establish rigid disciplinary precedents for international football associations entering the next tournament cycle.
Fines Top $300,000 as Disciplinary Panel Penalizes Multiple Players and Staff
Paredes faces three assault charges and a $90,000 fine, while defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban alongside two charges covering assault and unsporting behavior, accompanied by an identical $90,000 fine. FIFA also cited assistant coach Roberto Ayala with one assault count, handed a one-game suspension to midfielder Thiago Almada for unsporting behavior, and charged Spanish midfielder Gavi with one count of unsporting conduct.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed overall team fines totaling $321,000 on the Argentine Football Association, citing breaches of the disciplinary code that included non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters. Under the ruling, $100,000 of the total sanction must go directly into a dedicated anti-discrimination program. FIFA suspended the implementation of part of the sanction, specifically one match of the suspension and $100,000 of the fine, subject to a formal probationary period. All penal decisions issued by the governing body remain open to appeal.
The sanctions follow a brawl that broke out at the final whistle when Paredes shoved Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes rushed onto the field to celebrate their tournament victory over Argentina.
