FIFA bans Argentina players following World Cup final clash with Spain

FIFA has imposed lengthy suspensions and heavy fines on several Argentina players following a heated confrontation with Spain players

FIFA has imposed lengthy suspensions and heavy fines on several Argentina players following a heated confrontation with Spain players after the World Cup final, the world football governing body announced on Friday.

Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home international matches behind closed doors. However, FIFA has suspended one of those two matches, meaning the full punishment will only be enforced if the team commits another disciplinary offence during the relevant period.

The most severe punishment has been handed to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. The Boca Juniors player has been suspended for 10 international matches and fined $90,000 for his involvement in the post-match altercations.

Paredes was accused of grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat during the confrontation. He was also involved in an incident with Spain midfielder Gavi, whom he wrestled to the ground while holding the substitute player’s bib. His actions contributed to the escalation of tensions following the final.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, securing the title after a closely contested encounter. The post-match celebrations, however, were overshadowed by clashes involving members of both teams.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has also received a significant punishment. He has been banned for seven international matches and fined $90,000 for his role in the incidents. His teammate Thiago Almada received a comparatively lighter sanction, with FIFA suspending him for one international match and imposing a $30,000 fine.

Spain midfielder Gavi has also been punished for his involvement in the confrontation and received a similar one-match suspension and financial penalty.

The disciplinary action against Argentina extends beyond individual players. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined approximately $321,000 for several violations of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. These include using a sporting event to make demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters.

The controversy also relates to an incident during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against England. After Argentina secured a 2-1 victory in a tense encounter, several players displayed a banner carrying the message, “The Falklands are Argentine.” The gesture referred to the disputed Falkland Islands, known as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina.

The Falklands War began in 1982 after Argentine forces invaded the British-controlled territory in the South Atlantic. Then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered a military task force to retake the islands. The 74-day conflict, which lasted from April to June 1982, resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, while three islanders were also killed.

The AFA has rejected the disciplinary measures and confirmed that it plans to appeal the suspensions and fines imposed by FIFA. The appeal could determine whether the punishments remain unchanged or are reduced following further review.