Video: FIFA bans Paredes for 10 matches over Argentina-Spain World Cup final clash
Abdullateef Fowewe
FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine following the post-match confrontation after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
Spain won the final 1-0, but celebrations were overshadowed by a clash involving players and team officials from both sides.
FIFA’s disciplinary investigation found several individuals guilty of assault and unsporting behaviour, with all sanctions applying only to national-team fixtures.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada was suspended for one international match and fined $30,000.
Argentina assistant Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned with a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine.
Spain midfielder Pablo Gavi received a one-match international suspension and a $30,000 fine.
The rulings mean Paredes faces the most severe sporting punishment from the incident, with Argentina set to be without the midfielder for 10 upcoming international matches.
