Paredes handed 10-game ban for throwing Gavi to ground in World Cup final brawl

Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match suspension and fined $90,000 after FIFA’s disciplinary committee delivered sweeping punishments to Argentina for the brawl that erupted at full-time of the World Cup 2026 final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The Roma midfielder was caught on camera throwing Spain’s Gavi to the ground in the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s defeat, prompting FIFA to open a formal investigation into breaches of its disciplinary code.

Paredes was not the only Argentina figure to face consequences. Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, while team official and former international Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000 for his involvement in the fracas. Midfielders Thiago Almada and Pablo Martín Páez Gavira — better known as Gavi’s Barcelona team-mate Pedri’s counterpart — each received one-match bans and $30,000 fines.

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) was also hit with fines totalling $321,000. FIFA cited breaches across multiple articles of its disciplinary code, including team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse stemming from discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters, and failures to maintain order and security during the match.

The punishments represent one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken against a national association in the tournament’s recent history, casting a shadow over what had been a showpiece occasion for the sport. Argentina, three-time world champions, had been bidding for a fourth title before Spain claimed victory.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee confirmed the sanctions following its investigation, with the governing body making clear it would not tolerate conduct that undermined the integrity of its flagship event.