By Paul Joseph
FIFA has imposed a series of stringent disciplinary measures on Argentina following the confrontation that marred the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match international suspension, while teammate Nahuel Molina will serve a seven-match ban.
Both players were also fined $90,000 (£66,000) each. The suspensions apply to international fixtures.
The sanctions followed an investigation by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee into incidents that occurred after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Several Argentina players and members of the team’s backroom staff were involved in confrontations with Spanish players following the final whistle.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was also fined $321,000 (£235,000) for multiple breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
The charges included using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures attributed to Argentina supporters.
FIFA ordered $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine to be channelled into an anti-discrimination programme, while another $100,000 portion was suspended and placed under a probationary period.
Argentina will also be required to play its next two home international matches at 50 per cent stadium capacity, although the sanction covering one of those fixtures has been suspended.
FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings also examined a political banner displayed by Argentina players after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
The banner expressed Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, and was included among the incidents reviewed by the governing body.
FIFA had appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-final incidents and other related conduct during the tournament.
Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000 for his involvement in the post-match confrontations.
Spain midfielder Gavi received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, while Argentina’s Thiago Almada was handed the same punishment.
The disciplinary measures rank among FIFA’s most significant responses to misconduct surrounding a major international final and highlight the governing body’s firm stance on player behaviour, discrimination and non-sporting demonstrations.
The sanctions leave Argentina facing the absence of several players and officials from upcoming international fixtures, while the AFA must contend with a substantial financial penalty and additional restrictions on its home matches.
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