FIFA announced a series of disciplinary actions on Friday following the chaotic scenes that unfolded after the World Cup final on July 19. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. Following the conclusion of the game, a significant altercation broke out on the pitch involving players from both sides.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe penalty from football’s governing body, facing a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine. FIFA officials cited his role in the fracas, noting that he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the ground while holding a substitute’s bib. Gavi was also sanctioned for his involvement, receiving a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.
Other members of the Argentina squad and coaching staff were also penalized. Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine. Additionally, Argentina’s coaching staff member Roberto Ayala was issued a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
Beyond individual player sanctions, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) faces a $321,000 fine. FIFA cited breaches of its disciplinary code, including team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures, and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations. Argentina has also been ordered to play their next two home matches with stadium capacity reduced to 50 percent, though one of these matches is currently suspended.
The disciplinary action also addressed an incident following Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, where several players displayed a banner declaring “The Falklands are Argentine.” This reference concerns the 1982 conflict over the British overseas territory, which resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three islanders, during a 74-day war.
In response to the rulings, the AFA confirmed its intention to appeal the penalties. The association stated it would formally request the grounds for FIFA’s decisions to prepare an appeal for the governing body’s Appeals Committee. FIFA had previously appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the events that occurred following the final whistle. The report also notes that which resulted in then-British prime minister Margaret Thatcher sending a naval task force to reclaim them, argentine forces invaded the British overseas territory in the southwest Atlantic Ocean in 1982.
