FIFA has suspended Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches following a confrontation after his side’s World Cup final defeat by Spain, one of several disciplinary decisions arising from the match and tournament.
Paredes was sanctioned for contact with Spain players Eric García and Gavi during the post-match disorder. The suspension could keep him out of Argentina duty for roughly a year because the national-team calendar contains 10 matches through June 2027.
Multiple players and officials sanctioned
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada was suspended for one game. FIFA also imposed fines of €76,000 each on Paredes and Molina and €25,000 on Almada.
Spain midfielder Gavi was given a one-game suspension, affecting a Nations League fixture against England. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match ban and a €25,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association was fined €94,000 for several tournament incidents, including discriminatory supporter chants and a political banner displayed after the semifinal. FIFA additionally ordered the federation to spend €85,500 on anti-racism initiatives.
Argentina may appeal the longer suspensions and financial penalties through FIFA’s appeal system and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Paredes’ 10-game sanction ranks among the most severe international bans issued after a World Cup incident.