FIFA Bans Leandro Paredes for 10 Matches After World Cup Final Clashes

FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international suspension over his role in clashes after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. BBC Sport reported the punishment on Friday, and EFE said the FIFA Disciplinary Committee also fined Paredes $90,000 after completing its review of the incidents.

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Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000, while Argentina staff member Roberto Ayala was banned for three matches and fined the same amount. Spain midfielder Gavi also received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.

EFE reported that all of the match suspensions will be served in the players' and staff member's next national-team fixtures. The decisions follow proceedings opened by FIFA on July 29 concerning incidents after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

FIFA's initial disciplinary notice said Paredes faced three potential counts under the section of its disciplinary code covering assault. Molina faced two potential assault counts, one completed and one attempted, as well as a potential unsporting-behaviour violation. Ayala was also investigated over a potential assault count, while Almada and Gavi faced potential unsporting-behaviour cases.

The Argentine Football Association was separately fined a total of $321,000 for breaches covering non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse, and order and security at matches, according to EFE. Argentina was also ordered to play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to 50 percent.

Part of the federation sanction is suspended: EFE reported that one of the attendance restrictions and $100,000 of the fine are subject to a probationary period. FIFA also directed that $100,000 of the total fine be invested in an anti-discrimination plan. The decisions were notified to the parties on Friday, and EFE said they have 10 days to request the reasoned decisions and may appeal under FIFA's disciplinary rules.