Paris, Aug 21 (V7N) – Midfielder Leandro Paredes and several Argentina players have received bans and fines for their part in clashes with Spain players at the World Cup final, FIFA announced on Friday, with Argentina also ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors, though one match of that sanction is suspended.
Boca Juniors player Paredes will be banned for 10 international games and fined $90,000 for his role in the altercations that erupted after Spain's 1-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Paredes grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground while holding his substitute's bib, actions that led to an escalation in the clash between players of both sides.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and was also fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira were both suspended for one match and fined $30,000 each.
The sanctions reflect FIFA's zero-tolerance approach to on-field misconduct and brawls, particularly in high-profile matches such as the World Cup final. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) was also fined, and the partial stadium closure order serves as a significant penalty for the federation.
The final itself was a tense affair, with Spain securing their first World Cup title against a determined Argentina side. The post-match clashes, however, overshadowed the sporting achievement and have now resulted in substantial disciplinary action from football's governing body.
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