Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches by FIFA's disciplinary committee for his role in on-field clashes following his team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Paredes grabbed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground during the altercation after the match. The 10-match ban ranks among the most severe sanctions in World Cup history, comparable to the suspension handed to Uruguay forward Luis Suarez in 2014.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension for his involvement in the same incidents. A third Argentina player, Thiago Almada, was also banned, though the length of his suspension was not specified in available reports.
Beyond individual player suspensions, FIFA ordered Argentina to play their next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity. One match of that sanction is suspended, meaning one fixture will be affected by the reduced attendance requirement.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 for breaches of FIFA's disciplinary code. The violations included using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters. FIFA mandated that $100,000 of the fine be invested in a plan to combat discrimination.
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