FIFA has issued bans to three players from Argentina, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension for physical altercations with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi following the World Cup final. This punishment is considered one of the most severe in World Cup history, comparable to the sanctions imposed on Luis Suarez of Uruguay in 2014.
In addition to Paredes’ ban, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has been suspended for seven games, while Thiago Almada will miss one game. FIFA has fined Paredes and Molina $90,000 each and Almada $30,000. For Paredes, the 10-match ban equates to a year-long exclusion from the Argentina team, given the national team’s schedule that includes 10 games up to June 2027, which are likely to be friendly matches.
Spain’s Gavi has also been banned for one game, specifically the Nations League match against England at Wembley on September 26. Furthermore, Argentina’s coach, Roberto Ayala, has received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, including players displaying a political banner about the Falkland Islands and discriminatory chants by fans. FIFA has instructed the AFA to invest $100,000 in anti-racism initiatives. Argentina received $34 million in prize money from FIFA for its World Cup performance.
The AFA has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA, with a potential further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In a statement, the federation expressed its intent to explore all avenues for appeal.
The article also draws parallels to past incidents, such as Luis Suarez’s suspension in 2014 and Josip Simunic of Croatia’s ban in 2013. The altercations during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, deemed as assault cases by FIFA, occurred after a contentious match where Spain emerged victorious with a single goal scored by Ferran Torres in extra time.
As part of the disciplinary measures, FIFA has mandated that Argentina’s next home match be played at a stadium with 50% capacity, with the possibility of further sanctions and probationary measures in the future.