FIFA has slammed three Argentina players and one official with a total of 19-match ban for their roles in the mass brawl that occurred following the 2026 World Cup final.
The players and official involved were also fined heavily by the world football governing body, while the Argentina football association was also slammed with a hefty fine and stadium closure.
A Spanish player also received suspension and fine from FIFA disciplinary committee.
Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain 1-0 after extra-time at the New York/New Jersey stadium on July 19 in the US to lose their title as world champions.
The outcome was met with violence by the Argentineans who clashed with Spanish players and officials, leading to a public backlash and FIFA inquiry afterwards.
According to FIFA’s decisions released on Friday, Paredes was handed a 10-match ban by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches, Thiago Almada received a one-match ban, while team official Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match ban. Additionally, Spain’s Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) received a one-match ban.
Furthermore, both Paredes and Molina received a $90,000 fine while Gavi, Almada, and Ayala were handed $30,000 fines respectively.
Additionally, FIFA clamped down heavily on the Argentina football association for failing to control both players and fans who used a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, discrimination and racial abuse, and breached the order and security of matches based on their conduct, according to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
The body was fined $321,000 and a 50% stadium closure ban for Argentina’s next two international matches at home.
According to FIFA, the decisions are subject to appeal for all parties involved, and the verdicts will become binding after 10 days.
South American countries have been on the receiving end of FIFA disciplinary measures in recent World Cup tournaments.
Five countries from the continent have received various fines and player bans since the 2010 tournament till date.
