FIFA bans Argentine players and staff for 21 matches after World Cup final incident
FIFA imposed a total of 21 match bans and fines on Argentine players, officials and the federation following a post-match clash with Spain after the World Cup final.
FIFA announced on Friday that Argentine players and staff will miss a combined 21 international matches after a confrontation with Spain following the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the longest ban, ten games, after video showed him grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing midfielder Gavi to the ground. Defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches for striking Spain midfielder Rodri in the stomach as the Spaniards celebrated. Both players were also fined $90,000 each.
Attacking midfielder Thiago Almada was given a one-match ban for unsporting behaviour, and former defender Roberto Ayala, serving as a team official, was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000 for an assault charge. Spain’s Gavi received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine for unsporting conduct.
The sanctions apply only to international fixtures and do not affect club competitions. In addition, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association $310,000 and ordered a 50 percent stadium closure for its next home match, with a second partial closure suspended pending probation. The federation must allocate $100,000 of the fine to a discrimination-prevention program, with another $100,000 suspended.
FIFA’s statement said the parties have ten days to request a motivated decision and may appeal the disciplinary committee’s rulings.