Paredes and Molina given hefty bans following World Cup final altercations | OneFootball

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a ten-match international ban for his role in the post-match clashes following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Fifa’s disciplinary committee has also suspended team-mate Nahuel Molina for seven matches, with both players fined $90,000 (£66,000).

Paredes was punished after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground before appearing to strike Garcia in the face.

Spain midfielder Gavi and Argentina’s Thiago Almada have both received one-match suspensions and $30,000 (£22,000) fines for their involvement in the confrontations.

Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala has also been banned for three matches and fined $30,000 after striking Spain’s Dani Olmo in the face.

The sanctions will only apply to international fixtures.

Fifa has also ordered Argentina to play their next two home matches at 50 per cent capacity, although one game of the punishment has been suspended.

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches relating to non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct and discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters.

Of that fine, $100,000 (£73,000) must be invested in an anti-discrimination programme, while another $100,000 has been suspended for a probationary period.

The disciplinary proceedings followed incidents both during and after the World Cup, including Argentina players displaying a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after their semi-final victory over England.

The AFA has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions and, if unsuccessful, will take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.