FIFA has handed Argentina internationals Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina a combined 17-match suspension following their involvement in a post-match confrontation after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Paredes received the heavier punishment, with FIFA imposing a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine. Molina was handed a seven-match ban, also accompanied by a $90,000 fine. The sanctions relate to incidents that occurred after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain.
The disciplinary action follows a heated confrontation involving players from both teams shortly after the final whistle. FIFA had opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Paredes and Molina over their alleged involvement in the incidents.
Paredes was accused of physically confronting Spanish players during the altercation, while Molina was also investigated for his conduct during the post-match disorder.
The 10-match suspension makes Paredes’ punishment one of the most severe disciplinary sanctions handed to a player in recent World Cup history. The midfielder will therefore be unavailable for Argentina’s next 10 international matches covered by the suspension.
Molina’s seven-match punishment means he will also miss a significant number of Argentina fixtures as the team begins its preparations for upcoming international competitions.
The FIFA disciplinary committee also punished other individuals involved in the incident. Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension, while Spain midfielder Gavi was also handed a one-match ban. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
FIFA’s disciplinary measures did not stop with the players. The Argentine Football Association was fined approximately $321,000 over several disciplinary breaches connected to the tournament.
The football governing body also imposed restrictions on Argentina’s next two home matches, with attendance limited as part of the punishment. A portion of the sanction has been suspended under a probationary period.
The wider disciplinary case also involved conduct surrounding Argentina’s World Cup campaign. FIFA cited issues including discriminatory behaviour by supporters and the display of a political banner during the tournament.
The sanctions bring a major conclusion to FIFA’s investigation into the events surrounding the World Cup final, which attracted considerable attention after the match.
Argentina will now have to cope with the absence of two experienced players for a substantial number of international fixtures. Paredes has been an important member of the national team, while Molina has also featured regularly for Argentina.
The players and the Argentine Football Association have the right to appeal the disciplinary decisions.
The punishments are expected to have an impact on Argentina’s squad selection during the period covered by the suspensions, particularly as the national team prepares for its next competitive fixtures.
FIFA’s decision also sends a strong message about the governing body’s approach to misconduct involving players and officials, particularly incidents occurring immediately after major international matches.
The 17-match combined suspension for Paredes and Molina is therefore likely to remain a major talking point in Argentine football as the players and their federation consider their next steps.
Source: Thepressradio.com
