Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 games after World Cup clashes
August 21, 2026 17:26
FIFA's disciplinary committee has issued multi-match suspensions and fines following the on-field confrontations after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine; team-mate Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and also fined $90,000.
Argentina's federation has been penalised too: the AFA must pay $321,000, and the national side must stage its next two home fixtures at half capacity (one of those matches is suspended).
KEY CONTEXT
The measures follow incidents at the New York New Jersey Stadium after the final in which multiple Argentina players and staff were involved in altercations with Spain players. FIFA had previously appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine events after the game. Earlier in the tournament, several Argentina players displayed a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after the semi-final win over England. The BBC's report noted the final was broadcast to an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.