FIFA Hands Leandro Paredes 10-Match Ban After World Cup Final Clash, Gavi Also Suspended

FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international suspension for his involvement in the ugly scenes that followed Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup 2026 final, delivering one of the heaviest sanctions imposed on a player in World Cup history.

Paredes was punished after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground during the post-match confrontation at the New York Stadium. He has also been fined $90,000.

The suspension is particularly significant because Argentina currently have no competitive fixtures scheduled, meaning Paredes could miss the national team's next 10 matches, potentially keeping him out of international football until June 2027.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has received a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada has been banned for one match and fined $30,000. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.

Spain's Gavi has also been sanctioned, receiving a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine. His suspension will be served in Spain's Nations League meeting with England at Wembley on September 26.

The disciplinary action follows a heated World Cup final in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Argentina were also reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off.

FIFA has additionally fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 for several disciplinary breaches during the tournament. The charges included discriminatory chants and gestures, security and match-related violations, and the display of a political banner referring to the Falkland Islands after Argentina's semi-final victory over England.

The AFA has also been ordered to invest $100,000 in an anti-discrimination programme, while Argentina's next two home internationals will be played with stadium capacity restricted to 50%, although part of the sanction has been suspended on probation.

The AFA is expected to appeal the punishments. The federation has 10 days to request FIFA's detailed reasoning before pursuing an appeal through FIFA's appeal process, with the possibility of eventually taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Paredes' 10-match punishment places him among the most heavily sanctioned players in World Cup disciplinary history, adding a controversial postscript to Argentina's run to the final.