Published: Saturday, 22 August 2026, at 1:39 am| Dubai | Edited: Saturday, 22 August 2026, at 1:49 am

FIFA officially confirmed the Leandro Paredes ban after chaotic scenes erupted following the tournament final. Read on to discover all details regarding player suspensions, financial penalties, stadium bans, and the upcoming appeal process.

ALSO READ:

• Nearing the End: Football World Shook as Cristiano Ronaldo Prepares for Retirement
• Premier League 2026–27 Schedule: Full Match Fixtures, Promoted Teams, and GST Timings
• Who Is Carlos Espi? Get to Know Real Madrid’s Newest €25M Striker

FIFA Hands Down Severe Player Suspensions

Details on match bans given to players following altercations after the World Cup final.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed heavy penalties on multiple players who joined post match confrontations at New York New Jersey Stadium. Consequently, these FIFA World Cup sanctions 2026 came after an official prosecutor reviewed on field altercations between Argentina and Spain.

• FIFA suspended midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches because he grabbed Eric Garcia’s throat and struck Gavi.
• Meanwhile, officials handed defender Nahuel Molina a seven match international suspension for joining the clashes.
• Additionally, forward Thiago Almada received a one match ban for his role in the chaos.
• Spain’s Gavi received a one match suspension, despite stating Paredes should not be punished.
• Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was given a three match suspension for striking Spain’s Dani Olmo in the face.

AFA Fined for Misconduct and Political Banners

An overview of sanctions, stadium capacity reductions, and anti discrimination requirements for AFA.

The Argentine Football Association faces severe structural and financial penalties because they breached key FIFA regulations. In addition, FIFA imposed an Argentina FIFA ban that restricts home stadium attendance alongside heavy monetary fines.

• AFA was fined $321,000 (£235,000) for misconduct, discriminatory chants, and non sporting demonstrations.
• Argentina must play their next two home matches at 50% capacity, with one match suspended under probation.
• FIFA mandated that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine be directly invested into an anti discrimination plan.
• An additional $100,000 (£73,000) of the total fine remains suspended under a strict probationary period.
• Political violations stemmed from players holding a Falkland Islands sovereignty banner after defeating England 2-1 in the semi finals.

ALSO READ:

• The Story Behind Argentina’s ‘Falklands’ Banner: History of the Geopolitical Dispute with Britain
• UAE’s First Legal Betting Platform: How to Play ‘Play971’ and What Are the Rules?

Individual Fines and Other Penalties Issued

A breakdown of financial penalties imposed on involved players and technical staff.

Alongside international match suspensions, key individuals who sparked the Argentina vs Spain World Cup brawl face stiff financial punishments. Therefore, the governing body confirmed that these match bans apply strictly to official international fixtures.

• Both Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina were ordered to pay individual fines of $90,000 (£66,000).
• Spain’s Gavi and Argentina’s Thiago Almada were each fined $30,000 (£22,000) for their roles.
• Argentina backroom staff member Roberto Ayala received an individual fine of $30,000 (£22,000).
• All financial penalties must be settled alongside official FIFA disciplinary sanctions compliance.

Argentina Plans Appeal to CAS

Information on AFA’s legal response to challenge FIFA’s official sanctions.

The Argentine Football Association officially declared that it will challenge all disciplinary decisions. However, official representatives confirmed that if FIFA rejects their internal appeal, they will take the case directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Conclusion

FIFA’s severe sanctions on Argentina reinforce a strict zero tolerance policy against post match violence and political demonstrations in international football.

ALSO READ:

• 15 Must-See UAE Sports Events Calendar 2026: Ultimate Guide to Top Games & Tournaments
• Decoding the Deal; 5 Reasons Why Cristiano Ronaldo Bought into a Second Division Spanish Club

FAQs

How many matches is Leandro Paredes banned for?

FIFA banned Leandro Paredes for 10 official international matches.

Why was the Argentine Football Association fined by FIFA?

FIFA fined AFA for team misconduct, discriminatory chants, and displaying a Falkland Islands political banner.

Will Argentina appeal the penalties issued by FIFA?

Yes, AFA will appeal to FIFA first and then proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if needed.