FIFA Imposes Severe Sanctions on Argentina's Players Following World Cup Final Incident The International Football Federation (FIFA) announced on Friday that three Argentine players, led by midfielder Leandro Paredes, have been suspended for aggressive actions against Spanish opponents after the World Cup final. Paredes, who grabbed Spanish defender Eric García by the neck and pushed Spanish midfielder Gavi to the ground, received a 10-game ban, the most severe punishment in FIFA World Cup history since Luis Suárez’s 2014 incident. This suspension effectively bars Paredes from 10 international matches until June 2027, as the calendar includes 10 friendly games without official competitions. Defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, while forward Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. The sanctions also extended to Argentina’s technical staff, with assistant coach Roberto Ayala facing a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Spanish player Gavi, who was targeted by Paredes, was suspended for one match, which he will serve in Spain’s upcoming Liga de Naciones clash against England at Wembley. Financial penalties were imposed on Paredes and Molina, each fined $90,000, while Almada was fined $30,000. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was also fined $110,000 for incidents during the tournament, including the display of a political banner supporting the Falkland Islands and discriminatory chants from fans. The AFA confirmed it will appeal the sanctions to FIFA’s disciplinary committee and, if necessary, seek review from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). The incidents occurred during the tense final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time via Ferran Torres’ goal.#argentina #fifa #eric_garcia #gavi #leandro_paredes
