FIFA suspends Paredes 10 matches, fines Argentina $321,000

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced sanctions on Friday for incidents during the 2026 World Cup, including the brawl after the final between Argentina and Spain. Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, the harshest penalty, while Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and Thiago Almada for one. Spain's Gavi was suspended for one match, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala for three. Source: Infobae

The sanctions

• Paredes: 10 matches, $90,000 fine. Source: ABC
• Molina: 7 matches, $90,000 fine. Source: El Mundo
• Almada: 1 match, $30,000 fine. Source: La Vanguardia
• Ayala: 3 matches, $30,000 fine. Source: Milenio
• Gavi: 1 match, $30,000 fine. Source: Infobae

Institutional penalties

The AFA was fined $321,000 for violations including using a sporting event for non-sporting manifestations (the Malvinas banner), discriminatory chants, and security breaches. It must also play its next two home matches with a 50% capacity restriction. Of the fine, $100,000 must be invested in an anti-discrimination plan, and part of the sanction (one match and $100,000) is suspended under a probationary period. Source: Infobae

Reactions and next steps

The AFA called the sanctions excessive and announced it will appeal, first requesting the FIFA's detailed reasoning, then appealing to the FIFA Appeal Committee, with the option of taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Source: La Voz Spanish media, like Marca, framed the sanctions critically, headlining "Duro castigo por no saber perder" (Harsh punishment for not knowing how to lose). Source: Clarín