FIFA Suspends Three Argentina Players for World Cup Final Incident

FIFA announced on Friday the suspension of three players from the Argentina national team due to their involvement in a scuffle after the World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe penalty, a 10-match ban, for physically confronting Spanish players.

Paredes' actions included grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. Defender Nahuel Molina was given a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada received a one-game ban. In addition to the suspensions, FIFA fined Paredes and Molina $90,000 each, and Almada $30,000.

The lengthy suspension for Paredes effectively sidelines him from the Argentina team for nearly a year, as it covers ten matches scheduled through June 2027. The Argentine Football Association was also fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup, including political displays and fan behavior. The AFA plans to appeal the sanctions to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.