Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match suspension as several Argentina players were punished for their role in a brawl following the World Cup 2026 final against Spain.
The Argentina midfielder was seen grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Barcelona's Gavi to the ground. In separate incidents, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, while assistant coach Ayala was captured punching Dani Olmo in the face after a brief verbal spat.
FIFA sanctions announced
Molina has been dealt a seven-match ban, while Ayala has been suspended for three matches. Gavi, who was involved in the incident with Molina and Paredes, has also been hit with a one-match suspension.
In a statement, FIFA said: 'Following the submission of the report by the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor on the incidents that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina played at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the sanctions detailed below. Leandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000. Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000. Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000. Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and fine of USD 30,000. Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.'
Impact of the bans
In line with article 69 paragraphs 2 a) and 3 of the FDC, the match suspensions are carried over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams.
