Argentina midfielder, Leandro Paredes, has been handed a 10-match suspension by FIFA for his role in the on-field clashes that followed his side’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Paredes’ Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina has also been suspended for seven matches after being found to have been involved in the altercations at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The sanctions were announced by FIFA’s disciplinary committee following an investigation into the incidents that occurred after the final whistle.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50 per cent stadium capacity, although one match of the sanction has been suspended.
Paredes, Molina sanctioned
FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against Paredes on three counts of assault, while Molina faced two assault charges and a separate allegation of unsporting behaviour.
Paredes was involved in clashes with Spain players after the final, while Molina was accused of striking Spain captain Rodri as the Spanish players celebrated their victory.
FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last month to assess the incidents involving Argentina players and backroom staff after Spain secured the World Cup title.
Argentina fined $321,000
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also been fined $321,000 (£243,000) for several breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code.
The breaches relate to the use of a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters.
The federation’s punishment also relates to a political banner displayed by Argentina players after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
The banner asserted Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory known in Argentina as the Islas Malvinas.
FIFA classified the display as a potential breach of its rule against using sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final, which was played on July 19 at the NewYork-Neww Jersey Stadium.
