FIFA Suspends Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for 10 Matches After World Cup Final Brawl with Gavi

Ten-Match Suspension for Leandro Paredes

Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer’s governing body has handed down heavy disciplinary sanctions against Argentina and several of its key personnel. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for ten international matches and fined 90,000 US dollars (approximately 77,000 euros) following violent conduct incidents after the final whistle of the tournament’s title match against Spain in East Rutherford.

Paredes—who plays his club football for Boca Juniors—grabbed Spanish player Gavi by the face, pulled at his clothing, and forced him to the ground during the post-match scuffles that erupted primarily from the Argentine side.

Expanding Penalties Across Squad and Staff

The sanctions extend beyond Paredes to several other members of the Albiceleste squad and coaching staff. Nahuel Molina, currently with AS Roma, received a seven-match suspension and an identical 90,000 US dollar fine after striking Spain captain Rodri in the chest with his fist.

Meanwhile, Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada and Spanish player Gavi were each handed one-match suspensions alongside 30,000 US dollar fines. In the technical area, Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined 30,000 US dollars for aggressively confronting Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo during the pitch-side turmoil.

International Fixture Restrictions and Appeals

Governing body officials confirmed that all player suspensions apply exclusively to international fixtures with their respective national teams. All penalized parties have a ten-day window to request a formal written motivation for the decisions, which would be published publicly if granted, and retain the right to appeal the rulings.

Heavy Financial Blow to Argentine Football Association

In addition to the individual player and staff punishments, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces a six-figure financial penalty totaling 321,000 US dollars (roughly 275,000 euros) due to widespread infractions across multiple matches. The regulatory body cited team misconduct, discriminatory and racist insults, the unauthorized use of a sporting event for extraneous political demonstrations, and safety and security breaches.

A significant portion of the federation’s fine—specifically 100,000 US dollars—must be funneled directly into an anti-discrimination action plan.

Stadium Capacity Sanctions and Political Banners

Furthermore, the AFA was penalized with a stadium capacity restriction, mandating that only fifty percent of maximum ticket capacity be permitted for Argentina’s next two home fixtures.

The federation’s financial and stadium penalties also encompass an earlier controversy from the tournament. Following Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals, several players displayed a pitch-side banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falkland Islands are Argentine”), referencing the 1982 armed conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina in the South Atlantic.