FIFA allow Argentina's World Cup final bans to be served in friendlies after AFA appeal

FIFA have approved Argentina’s request to serve their World Cup final bans in Class A friendly matches, resolving a practical deadlock that would have seen the suspensions effectively shelved until the 2028 Copa America.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the heaviest punishment — a 10-match ban and a £66,500 fine — for his post-match conduct after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 World Cup final. His actions included kicking out at Eric Garcia and shoving Gavi to the ground as Spain’s players celebrated. Defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala received one and three-game suspensions respectively, each accompanied by fines.

The original terms stipulated that the bans would apply only to competitive fixtures. Because Argentina have no competitive matches scheduled before the 2028 Copa America, the Argentine FA (AFA) petitioned FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to allow the sanctions to count in Class A friendlies instead. FIFA confirmed the request has been approved.

Argentina currently have no fixtures confirmed, but up to six friendly slots are available before the end of the year. Under the revised terms, Almada and Ayala could return to their roles as early as October, while Molina would likely carry one suspended game into March 2027. Paredes faces the longest road back, with potentially four matches still to serve — two in March and two in June.

The AFA has indicated it is still seeking a further reduction in the length of the bans and is awaiting FIFA’s written ruling before deciding on next steps.

The federation itself was also sanctioned following multiple incidents at the tournament. It was fined £237,000 and ordered to play its next home match at 50 per cent stadium capacity. Those penalties stemmed from two separate findings: discrimination and racist abuse by Argentina supporters, and the display of a banner reading ‘The Falklands are Argentine’ by players after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England — an act FIFA ruled constituted using a sporting event for a demonstration of a non-sporting nature.