Paredes handed 10-match ban as FIFA punishes Argentina over World Cup final brawl

FIFA has handed Leandro Paredes a 10-match ban and Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension following their involvement in a brawl after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New York.

Paredes was caught on camera grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground, while Molina was seen striking Rodri as he ran to celebrate Spain’s victory. One-match bans were also issued to Thiago Almada and Pablo Martín Páez Gavira for their roles in the post-match scenes.

Former Argentina international Roberto Ayala, now a member of the national team’s coaching staff, was also sanctioned and received a three-match ban. Spain midfielder Gavi, who was involved in the altercation, was handed a one-match ban of his own.

The Argentine Football Association has been fined $121,000 — partly for their players displaying a Falklands banner after the semi-final win over England, and partly for discrimination and racist abuse by fans. Argentina collected $34 million in prize money during the tournament, but $100,000 of their fine must be directed toward an anti-discrimination campaign, with a further $100,000 suspended.

Argentina had entered the tournament as defending champions, seeking to become the first nation to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, but were outclassed by Spain in the final. Enzo Fernandez was sent off during the match, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal for the Euro 2024 champions in extra time.

Wayne Rooney was critical of Argentina’s conduct in the aftermath, saying: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”

Gary Neville added: “They’re very competitive and I love that element of them, but [Paredes] has just been a disgrace for the last couple of games, and why the referees have allowed him to continue doing what he is doing…”