Aug. 21 (UPI) -- FIFA issued a 10-game ban to Leandro Paredes in a wave of disciplinary measures against Argentinian players for actions at the 2026 World Cup finale, the global governing body for soccer said Friday.
The Argentine Football Association then announced that it will challenge the penalties in defense of the federation and its players.
FIFA also issued a fine of $90,000 to Paredes, who threw Spanish midfielder Gavi to the ground and grabbed defender Eric Garcia by the throat during the July 19 matchup in East Rutherford, N.J.
Defender Nahuel Molina drew a seven-match ban and $90,000 fine. Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-game ban and $30,000 fine. Team official Roberto Ayala drew a three-match ban and $30,000 fine.
FIFA also issued a one-game ban and $30,000 fine to Gavi for his role in the melee.
FIFA issued a seven-match ban to Argentina's Nahuel Molina. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIFIFA separately fined the Argentine federation $321,000 for a series of violations during the World Cup.
The penalties included $10,000 for displaying a Malvinas flag, referring to the islands known in English as the Falkland Islands, and $20,000 for inappropriate spectator conduct.
Players from Argentina and Spain brawled on the field after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIThe federation was also fined $100,000 over racist, homophobic and discriminatory chants and insults by Argentine fans during matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England and Spain. Another $100,000 fine was suspended for six months.
Argentina must invest $100,000 in a FIFA-approved program to combat discrimination and prevent similar incidents.
FIFA issued a wave of suspensions Friday in response to a brawl between Spain and Argentina after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIThe national team must also play its next official home match with 50% of the stands closed, primarily in the sections behind the goals. An identical penalty for a second home match was suspended for one year.
FIFA may allow the federation to fill half of the closed seats with families, students, anti-discrimination organizations and other community groups. They would occupy the equivalent of 25% of the stadium's total capacity.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes was involved in several scuffles at the 2026 World Cup final. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIThe remaining $91,000 in fines covered objects thrown onto the field during matches against Switzerland and England, delayed kickoffs and violations of FIFA security protocols.
The parties have 10 days from notification to request the complete reasoning behind the rulings, which remain subject to appeal.
A look at the altercation following the FIFA World Cup Final that led to Leandro Paredes' 10-match suspension.
(via @MickyJnr__) pic.twitter.com/JSK9VHUUmn— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 21, 2026
FIFA said $100,000 of the fine was suspended. The suspensions only apply to international games, and fines remain subject to appeal.
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