FIFA bans Paredes and Molina as AFA fined after World Cup final unrest | OneFootball

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has punished the AFA and several Argentina players for post-match clashes after the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July at the New York-New Jersey stadium. Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban, with Nahuel Molina suspended for seven.

Paredes was also fined US$90,000 and cited in three charges linked to assaults after the game. Molina was fined US$90,000 for two aggression incidents, one attempted, plus unsporting conduct.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was hit with a three-match ban and a US$30,000 fine. Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and US$30,000 for unsporting conduct, while Spain's Gavi got the same punishment.

The bans apply only to national-team fixtures, so club appearances are unaffected. Argentina's federation must pay US$321,000 for multiple World Cup breaches, covering non-sporting displays, team misconduct, discriminatory episodes, security matters and spectator behaviour.

The case noted political messages, including a flag reading "Las Malvinas son argentinas" shown after the semi-final win over England. For discrimination offences, Argentina must play their next two home matches with a 50% crowd reduction, and at least the next will be at half capacity.

One of those sanctions is suspended during a probationary period. Part of the fine, US$100,000, is also suspended, and the same amount must fund a specific anti-discrimination programme.

FIFA opened the case after a fight between members of the Argentine and Spanish delegations once the final had ended, and has formally notified the decisions. The parties can still request the grounds and then appeal.

Source: SuperDepor.com

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