NEW JERSEY — Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match international suspension. Molina was fined $90,000 by FIFA.

Spain player Gavi received a one-match international suspension. Gavi was fined $30,000 by FIFA.

Argentina team official Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension. Ayala was fined $30,000 by FIFA.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 by FIFA. The AFA was ordered to play its next two home matches with restricted attendance, with one match of the sanction suspended.

The AFA was ordered to spend $100,000 on anti-racism projects. The AFA stated it would appeal the suspensions and fines.

Why It Matters

The sanctions address conduct following the championship match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The penalties include financial fines and match bans for players and officials from both national teams.

The Argentine Football Association faces restricted attendance for upcoming home matches. The organization must also fund anti-racism projects as part of the disciplinary ruling.

Timeline

On July 19, 2026, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. On that same date, Paredes pushed or wrestled Spain player Gavi to the ground during post-match clashes. Paredes grabbed Spain player Eric Garcia by the throat during post-match clashes on July 19, 2026.

FIFA announced sanctions for incidents occurring after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on July 19, 2026. Paredes received a 10-match international suspension on July 19, 2026. Paredes was fined $90,000 by FIFA on July 19, 2026.

Gavi received a one-match international suspension on July 19, 2026. Gavi was fined $30,000 by FIFA on July 19, 2026.

What's New

Later reporting indicated that FIFA banned Leandro Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, for 10 matches and imposed a $90,000 fine for striking Spain opponents moments after losing the World Cup final. Roberto Ayala was fined $30,000 by FIFA.

Further context described that Leandro Paredes has a documented history of on-field altercations, including a 2022 World Cup incident where he provoked a brawl during Argentina's match against the Netherlands, leading to a record number of yellow cards and a physical confrontation with Virgil van Dijk.

How Sources Differ

Sources varied in their description of the events involving Paredes. Sports.yahoo.com stated that FIFA banned Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, for 10 matches and imposed a $90,000 fine for striking Spain opponents moments after losing the World Cup final. Other accounts noted that Paredes has a documented history of on-field altercations, including a 2022 World Cup incident where he provoked a brawl during Argentina's match against the Netherlands, leading to a record number of yellow cards and a physical confrontation.

Reports differed on the specific wording of the penalty. Sports.yahoo.com said FIFA banned Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, for 10 matches and imposed a $90,000 fine for striking Spain opponents moments after losing the World Cup final. The FIFA disciplinary ruling stated that Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match international suspension.