FIFA sanctions Gavi, Nahuel, Paredes, Almada and Ayala over World Cup final brawl | OneFootball

FIFA announced a raft of sanctions after ugly scenes following the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Gavi is the only Spain player punished, while Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Almada and assistant Roberto Ayala are sanctioned for Argentina.

The Barcelona midfielder will serve a one-match ban and pay $30,000, the same as Almada. Paredes and Nahuel Molina are suspended for 10 and seven internationals and fined $90,000 each, while Ayala receives three matches and $30,000. All suspensions apply to national teams, not clubs.

The flashpoint came after the final whistle as Spain secured a second star. Paredes pushed and then grabbed Eric García by the neck, Gavi intervened, was held by Almada and then struck by Paredes. Others joined, including Nahuel Molina, and Ayala, Scaloni’s assistant, punched Dani Olmo on the chin.

Argentina were also punished for displaying a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son argentinas’ after eliminating England in the semi-final. The AFA must pay $321,000 and play their next two home matches at 50 percent capacity. One of those games and $100,000 are suspended for a year, pending no repeat.

There are no individual player sanctions for the banner, with responsibility assigned to the federation. That contrasts with one-match bans given two years ago to Rodri and Morata for chanting ‘Gibraltar es español’ during Euro celebrations. All rulings by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee can be appealed.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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