FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine for his role in the post-match confrontation with Spain following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Paredes was among several players punished after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain on July 19 descended into a confrontation at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. FIFA had previously opened proceedings against Paredes on three assault-related charges.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada was suspended for one international match and fined $30,000. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
Spain midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, commonly known as Gavi, was also suspended for one match and fined $30,000 for unsporting behaviour. The sanction applies to his international appearances and does not prevent him from playing for his club.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was separately fined $321,000 for several disciplinary breaches during the tournament, including discriminatory behaviour, team misconduct, security-related violations and the display of a political message during Argentina’s semi-final victory over England. FIFA has ordered $100,000 of the fine to be invested in an anti-discrimination programme.
Argentina must also play its next two home internationals with attendance restricted to 50 per cent of stadium capacity. However, implementation of one of those matches and $100,000 of the AFA fine has been suspended during a probationary period.
The sanctions follow FIFA disciplinary proceedings opened after the final, when Paredes, Molina, Ayala and others were investigated over incidents involving Spanish players. FIFA’s initial July announcement confirmed that the parties were given an opportunity to present their defence before the final decisions were issued.
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