RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-game ban with Fifa handing out a series of heavy punishments to Argentina following the disgraceful brawl at the conclusion of the World Cup 2026 final against Spain and the display of a Falklands banner following victory over England.
The Argentina midfielder was seen throwing his opponent Gavi to the ground in a shocking post-match brawl after Spain emerged victorious in the World Cup final.
Paredes’ team-mate Nahuel Molina, has been hit with a seven-game ban after sparking the chaotic melee by striking Spain captain Rodri.
Paredes then grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and hurled Gavi to the ground. While Argentina coach Roberto Ayala, who was also involved in the fracas, has been banned for three games.
Leandro Paredes of Argentina and Eric Garcia of Spain (Getty)
Fifa confirmed at the time that no red card was shown to Paredes on the field. But the day after the final, which was settled by Ferran Torres’ goal in extra-time, a Fifa disciplinary committee investigation was set up and it has now found that breaches of its code occurred throughout the incident with the three-time world champions hit hard with bans and fines.
Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Eric Garcia #4 of Spain argue while Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina, tries to separate (Getty)
After victory over England in the semi-final, Argentina players displayed banners referencing the Falklands Islands, which has added to the hefty fine imposed by Fifa on the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).
The total fine of $321,000 (£235,000) is due to “breaches of articles 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) in light of discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters, and 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).”
Earlier this month, Gavi had pleaded with the Fifa committee to not suspend Paredes , despite their clash on the pitch.
“I don’t think (Paredes) should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive,” the Barcelona midfielder told El Partidazo de COPE.
“The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way.”
The bans for all players will be served in their teams’ next matches, which means Gavi will miss the world champions’ Nations League match against England in September.
Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-game ban (PA)
Fifa Disciplinary Committee sanctions on World Cup 2026 final
Leandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.
Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.
Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
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