FIFA Allows Argentina Players to Serve World Cup Final Bans in Friendlies
Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain has been followed by significant FIFA disciplinary action, with Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension after the violent confrontation at full time. The Argentine Football Association has secured permission for the bans to be served in either Class A friendlies or competitive fixtures, a decision that could allow several players to return well before the 2028 Copa América.
Final flashpoint brings lengthy bans
Paredes, 32, was given the most severe individual sanction from the post-match disorder. He must sit out 10 international matches and pay a £65,000 fine after being found to have seized Eric García by the throat, struck Gavi in the face and pushed the Spain midfielder to the ground.
Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban for hitting Spain captain Rodri in the body. That incident was identified as the action which escalated the confrontation involving players from both sides.
Thiago Almada and Gavi were each suspended for one match because of their involvement in the wider melee. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also among those punished following the scenes that overshadowed Spain’s narrow victory in the 2026 final.
How Argentina intend to manage the suspensions
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.
- Post-match confrontation led to sanctions for Paredes, Molina, Almada and Gavi, as well as action involving Argentina staff.
- The AFA asked FIFA for the penalties to apply in Class A exhibition matches and/or official matches, depending on which came first.
- FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee approved that request under its existing rules.
- The AFA will wait for the written reasoning behind the decisions before considering appeals to FIFA’s Appeals Committee and, if necessary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In its response to the sanctions, the AFA confirmed that it had made a formal application covering both the players punished after the final and the association’s own penalty. It also made clear that approval to determine how the bans are served does not end the matter, with appeals still possible once the full decisions are issued.
The practical consequence is substantial for Argentina. With Paredes facing 10 games out and Molina seven, a packed programme of recognised friendlies would enable the national side to complete the suspensions without losing the pair for future tournament football.
Earlier tournament controversy also punished
The final was not Argentina’s only disciplinary concern during the competition. After the semi-final win over England, Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martínez were among the players seen celebrating with a banner stating that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.
Calls for personal suspensions over the political message did not result in direct action against the players. FIFA instead fined the AFA £235,000, with £73,000 of that amount suspended.
Argentina will also have restrictions at their next two home internationals. Stadiums are to operate at half capacity, although one of the match-closure sanctions has itself been suspended.
| Disciplinary measure | Sanction |
|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | 10-match ban and £65,000 fine |
| Nahuel Molina | Seven-match ban |
| Thiago Almada | One-match ban |
| Gavi | One-match ban |
| AFA, banner incident | £235,000 fine, including £73,000 suspended |
| Argentina home fixtures | Two matches at 50 per cent capacity, with one closure suspended |
Friendlies become Argentina’s route back to a full squad
Argentina’s status as co-hosts of the centenary matches guarantees their place at the next World Cup. Their next competitive tournament is therefore not due until the 2028 Copa América, leaving a lengthy window in which to arrange Class A friendlies.
That calendar position gives the AFA a route to absorb the bans outside tournament play and restore key members of the squad before their next major competitive campaign.
Key takeaways
- Paredes faces the heaviest punishment after the confrontation with García and Gavi.
- Molina’s seven-match absence stems from the strike on Rodri that triggered the major clash.
- Argentina can now use recognised friendlies to serve the suspensions, subject to FIFA’s approved terms.
- The AFA may still challenge the rulings through FIFA and potentially CAS.
- Separate punishment followed the Falkland Islands banner displayed after the England semi-final.
