FIFA has officially concluded its disciplinary proceedings following the chaotic post-match altercations at the 2026 World Cup final, handing down heavy suspensions and financial penalties to several members of the Argentina national team, the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and one Spanish player, according to reports from sports outlets including Bola.net and Fabrizio Romano. The investigation centers on the volatile conclusion of the championship match held in July 2026, where Spain secured a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina courtesy of a late goal by Ferran Torres.
Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina Hit With Severe Suspensions
According to disciplinary records confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, midfielder Leandro Paredes received the harshest sanction from FIFA’s committee. Paredes picked up a yellow card during the final following a hard challenge on Pedro Porro, but it was the violent melee on the sidelines after the final whistle that triggered a 10-match ban and a 90 thousand dollar fine. Video footage captured Paredes placing his hands around the neck of Spain defender Eric Garcia and pushing both Garcia and midfielder Gavi to the ground.
Teammate Nahuel Molina also faces a significant absence from international duty, receiving a seven-match suspension alongside a 90 thousand dollar fine for his involvement in the clashes. Additional penalties from the governing body included a one-match suspension and a 30 thousand dollar fine for forward Thiago Almada, as well as a three-match touchline ban and a 30 thousand dollar fine for coaching staff member Roberto Ayala, as detailed in reports from Bola.net.
Gavi Penalized and AFA Faces Financial Sanctions
Sanctions were not limited to the Argentine camp. Spanish midfielder Gavi also received disciplinary action from FIFA, earning a one-match suspension and a 30 thousand dollar fine. According to investigative reports, tournament officials determined that Gavi engaged in provocative gestures that initially inflamed tensions and drew reactions from Paredes and his teammates. Meanwhile, CNN Indonesia reported that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a substantial financial penalty totaling approximately Rp5,6 M for team misconduct.
Following the final whistle and the subsequent melee, veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi publicly voiced frustration regarding the officiating, accusing tournament referees of favoring Spain, as reported by RCTI+. In the wake of the sanctions, Goal.com noted that representatives for the Argentine setup indicated they would weigh all available legal avenues to contest the severity of FIFA’s rulings.
Next Steps and International Schedule
With the investigation closed and penalties distributed, the affected players and staff must serve their respective suspensions during upcoming international windows and qualification fixtures.
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