Shafaq News..FIFA hits Argentina with major bans after World Cup final brawl

Shafaq News

FIFA handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match
international ban on Friday and sanctioned four other players and staff over
incidents following Spain’s victory in the 2026 World Cup final.

Paredes also received a $90,000 fine. FIFA had opened
proceedings against him over three alleged assault offences linked to the
post-match confrontation.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven
matches and fined $90,000 after facing two assault charges, one completed and
one attempted, as well as a charge of unsporting behaviour.

Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and $30,000 fine for
unsporting behaviour, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was
suspended for three matches and fined $30,000 after being investigated for
assault.

Spain midfielder Gavi was the only Spanish player
sanctioned, receiving a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine for unsporting
behaviour.

FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000
over broader disciplinary breaches during the World Cup, including team
misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures, security failures and the use
of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.

Among the incidents cited in the proceedings was Argentina’s
display of a “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” banner after their
semifinal victory over England. Argentina were also ordered to play home
internationals with spectator capacity restricted to 50%, although part of that
sanction was suspended subject to a probationary period.

The sanctions followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over
Argentina in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Ferran
Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.