Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 21
FIFA Hits Argentina With 21-Game Ban Total, $321,000 Fine After World Cup Final Fracas
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 21

FIFA Hits Argentina With 21-Game Ban Total, $321,000 Fine After World Cup Final Fracas

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 21

Summary

  • Leandro Paredes drew the heaviest punishment — a 10-match ban and $90,000 fine — after FIFA charged him with assault for grabbing Eric Garcia’s throat and throwing Gavi down after Spain beat Argentina in New Jersey.
  • Nahuel Molina was suspended seven games and fined $90,000, while Roberto Ayala got three matches; Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi were each banned for one game and fined $30,000.
  • Argentina’s FA was also fined $321,000 and ordered to cap attendance at its next two men’s home matches at 50% over discriminatory chants, non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct and security failures.
  • The sanctions deepen the fallout from the post-whistle chaos that marred Argentina’s World Cup final defeat and will sideline several key runners-up players for an extended stretch.

Insights

Did Spain's players escape justice in the violent World Cup final brawl that cost Argentina's Leandro Paredes a 10-match ban?
With massive bans issued, will FIFA's ongoing investigation into Argentina's broader misconduct trigger even harsher national penalties?
What drove Argentina's stars to choke and punch rivals after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain?