Leandro Paredes Handed 10-Match Ban After Argentina-Spain World Cup Final Clash
Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine by FIFA following the confrontation that erupted after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the sanctions on August 21 after reviewing incidents from the final, which was played at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The punishment is one of the most significant international suspensions involving an Argentina player in recent years and will carry over to the team's upcoming national-team matches.
Three Argentina Players Suspended
Paredes was not the only Argentina player punished for his involvement in the post-match incidents.
FIFA also suspended Nahuel Molina for seven matches and Thiago Almada for one match.
Molina was additionally fined $90,000, while Almada received a $30,000 fine. Argentina team official Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
Spain's Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, was also handed a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
According to FIFA, the match suspensions will be served in the next matches played by the respective national teams.
What Happened After the World Cup Final?
The disciplinary proceedings relate to incidents that took place after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final.
FIFA had previously opened proceedings over alleged assaults and unsporting behavior involving several players and officials from both teams.
The cases involving Paredes and Molina were investigated under FIFA's disciplinary provisions covering assault, while Almada and Gavi faced proceedings relating to unsporting behavior.
After reviewing the cases and the submissions from those involved, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee issued its final sanctions.
Argentina Also Hit With Heavy Penalties
The consequences were not limited to individual players.
The Argentine Football Association was fined a total of $321,000 for several disciplinary breaches during the World Cup, including discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, inappropriate demonstrations and security-related violations.
FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to 50%.
However, part of the punishment has been suspended during a probationary period, including one of those two restricted-attendance matches and $100,000 of the fine. FIFA said the $100,000 must be invested in a program aimed at combating discrimination.
Paredes' Suspension Could Have a Major Impact
The 10-match suspension means Paredes will be unavailable for Argentina's next 10 representative-team matches covered by the sanction.
Because the punishment is transferred to subsequent national-team fixtures, the midfielder faces a lengthy absence from international football.
The exact impact will depend on Argentina's upcoming schedule, including friendly and competitive matches.
For a player with extensive international experience, the suspension represents a significant setback as Argentina begins the next chapter following the 2026 World Cup.
Appeals Remain Possible
The FIFA decisions are not necessarily the final word.
The parties involved have 10 days to request the full, reasoned decisions. FIFA also confirmed that the disciplinary rulings can be appealed under Article 61 of its Disciplinary Code.
The Argentine Football Association has indicated that its legal department intends to review the decisions and pursue the available appeal process.
For now, however, Paredes faces a 10-match suspension, Molina seven matches and Almada one as the fallout from the dramatic World Cup final continues.
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