FIFA slams five Argentina players with suspensions and hefty fines
FIFA has handed down severe disciplinary sanctions following the chaotic aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, suspending five Argentina figures and fining the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 (around £250,000) for multiple breaches of its disciplinary code.
The punishments follow an investigation into the post-match brawl between Argentina and Spain, as well as other incidents throughout the tournament, including political displays and discriminatory behaviour.
Paredes receives the heaviest punishment
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was handed a 10-match international suspension, the harshest sanction issued by FIFA, after being found guilty of assault during the post-final confrontation. He was also fined $90,000. 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.
Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also punished with a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his role in the altercation. Spain midfielder Gavi received a one-match suspension for unsporting behaviour during the incident.
All suspensions apply only to international fixtures, meaning the players remain eligible to feature for their respective clubs.
Why did FIFA punish Argentina?
Beyond the World Cup final melee, FIFA found the AFA guilty of several violations across the tournament. The charges included the display of a politically charged "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner after Argentina's semi-final victory over England, discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters, team misconduct, and security-related breaches at multiple matches.
As part of the sanction, FIFA ordered $100,000 of the fine to be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives. Argentina will also be required to play its next two home international matches with stadium attendance capped at 50 percent, reinforcing FIFA's commitment to tackling violence, discrimination and political demonstrations at its competitions.
The disciplinary action marks one of FIFA's strongest responses to post-match misconduct in recent World Cup history, ensuring that Argentina's turbulent tournament ending will have lasting consequences well beyond the final whistle.
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