Argentina’s midfield, Leandro Paredes, has been sanctioned by FIFA for a 10-match ban, following a series of on-field incidents after their defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. This decision comes in the wake of a disciplinary committee investigation into a range of issues, including deliberate clashes with opponents, team misconduct, and the use of discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentine supporters. FIFA has issued a total of three penalties, including a $321,000 fine for breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code related to sports events, team conduct, and the use of provocative actions by supporters.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for violations of the Fifa disciplinary code, covering instances of using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and the dissemination of discriminatory messages by its fanbase. FIFA has ordered a $100,000 (£73,000) payment to fund a plan to combat discrimination, alongside a $100,000 (£73,000) suspended period with a probationary period before full enforcement. Following the defeat in the World Cup semi-final, Argentina players held aloft a banner proclaiming Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, a move that sparked immediate controversy. Fifa subsequently appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess the situation following the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple players and staff were involved in confrontations with Spanish players.
Specifically, Paredes was implicated in a violent altercation with Spain’s Gavi, who allegedly struck him in the face after the Argentine midfielder grabbed him by the throat. Gavi stated he did not intend to punish Paredes, and will serve a one-match suspension and a fine of $30,000 (£22,000). Thiago Almada, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, is also facing a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for involvement in post-match confrontations. Roberto Ayala, a former coach, has been given a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for striking Spain’s Dani Olmo in the face. The AFA has stated that they will appeal the sanctions, and if successful, will pursue the matter before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The match suspensions will only be enforced in international fixtures, and the AFA has indicated that it will appeal the sanctions, with the possibility of taking the case to the CAS.
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Source: Adom Sports
