Key Takeaways:
- Leandro Paredes was issued a ten-match ban following incidents after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain
- Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada have also been suspended, with additional financial penalties imposed on Argentinian players and team members
- The Argentinian Football Federation was fined $321,000 for breaches including non-sporting demonstrations and discriminatory behaviour
FIFA Hands Out Sanctions After World Cup Final
FIFA has imposed significant disciplinary action on Argentina’s national team and officials in response to the post-match incidents that unfolded after their World Cup final loss against Spain. FIFA confirmed that midfielder Leandro Paredes must serve a ten-match suspension for his involvement in the events at the conclusion of the competition.
Right-back Nahuel Molina will be sidelined for seven matches, and is also required to pay a fine of $90,000, as is Paredes. Thiago Almada was given a one-match ban alongside a financial penalty of $30,000.
Sanctions were extended to team officials as well. Roberto Ayala and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira each received match bans for their roles in the disturbances, together with a $30,000 fine.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: FIFA have issued major sanctions following incidents during the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
▪️ 🇦🇷 Leandro Paredes — 10-match ban + $90,000 fine
▪️ 🇦🇷 Nahuel Molina — 7-match ban + $90,000 fine
▪️ 🇦🇷 Thiago Almada — 1-match ban + $30,000… pic.twitter.com/t3EDNMcJYF— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) August 21, 2026
| Name | Suspension | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | 10 matches | $90,000 |
| Nahuel Molina | 7 matches | $90,000 |
| Thiago Almada | 1 match | $30,000 |
| Roberto Ayala | Undisclosed ban | $30,000 |
| Pablo Martin Paez Gavira | Undisclosed ban | $30,000 |
Federation and Team Fined for Multiple Offences
The Argentinian Football Federation (AFA) has also come under the scrutiny of FIFA. The governing body levied a $321,000 fine against the AFA for a range of disciplinary violations. These included the display of a Malvinas-related banner classed as a non-sporting demonstration, inappropriate team conduct, discriminatory chanting and gestures from supporters, and issues related to order and security during the match. The offences were detailed under Articles 13(2)(c), 14(5), 15, and 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Further Proceedings and Appeals
In accordance with Article 69, paragraphs 2a and 3 of the Disciplinary Code, FIFA has confirmed that the imposed match suspensions will carry forward to future fixtures involving the affected players and representatives. FIFA noted: “In accordance with Article 69, paragraphs 2a and 3 of the Disciplinary Code, the match suspensions will be carried over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams.”
All parties retain the right to appeal these decisions.
