FIFA Bans Leandro Paredes For 10 Matches, Punishes Argentina Over World Cup Final Clashes

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine for his role in the ugly scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

FIFA announced the sanctions earlier today, August 21, after its disciplinary committee concluded its investigation into the clashes that erupted after the final whistle at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.

Leandro Paredes received the heaviest punishment among the Argentina players and team members sanctioned for their involvement in the altercations with Spain players and officials.

Defender Nahuel Molina was given a seven-match suspension and fined $90,000, while midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Argentina team members Roberto Ayala and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira were also banned and fined $30,000 for their involvement.

“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,” FIFA said.

The Argentina Football Association was also hit with a $321,000 fine for several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary code.

The charges relate to the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, inappropriate team conduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and breaches concerning order and security during matches.

FIFA further ordered Argentina to play their next two home matches at 50 per cent stadium capacity, although one of those sanctions has been suspended.

Naija News reports that the punishment also relates to a banner displayed by Argentina players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England. The banner claimed Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina refers to as the Malvinas.

FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last month to investigate the incidents that unfolded after Spain’s win in the final.

All parties have the right to appeal the decision, according to a statement from the world football governing body.