FIFA hands Paredes 10-game ban and Molina seven after World Cup final brawl | OneFootball

According to the Daily Mail, FIFA has handed Leandro Paredes a 10-match ban and Nahuel Molina seven, with both fined $90,000, in historic sanctions. The penalties follow Argentina’s post-match brawl after last month’s World Cup final against Spain.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentinian Football Association has been fined $321,000 and must restrict attendances to 50 per cent for their next two matches.

The collective measures stem from multiple breaches, including racist abuse and a political display after the semi-final win over England, when players held a white sheet reading "Los Malvinas Son Argentinas", translated as "the Falklands are Argentina". The sanctions also reflect discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters and the use of a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations.

The flashpoint came at the final whistle when Paredes shoved Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground, and Spain’s substitutes flooded on to celebrate a 1-0 extra-time win secured by substitute Ferran Torres. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni stepped in to cool tempers, after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off in second-half stoppage time.

Thiago Almada and Gavi have each been given a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine for their part in the melee. Argentina must now plan upcoming internationals without Paredes and Molina, while operating under strict crowd limits. Spain will look to build on their World Cup triumph.

Source: Goal.com

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