news-engine

← football

Paredes hit with giant FIFA ban as Argentina punished over World Cup shame

Talksport · Jack Johnson · 2026-08-21T14:48:12+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Leandro Paredes hit with giant FIFA ban as three Argentina players punished over World Cup shame FIFA has banned Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 matches following his role in the post-World Cup final chaos. Paredes has also been fined $90,000 for his role in the incident, which saw him throw punches and attack Spain players. He is not the only Argentinian player to be punished either, with FIFA handing out suspensions to Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina. Almada has been banned for one game and fined $30,000, with Molina fined $90,000 and banned for seven matches for their roles in the clash with their rivals at the World Cup in July. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was also hit with a three-match suspension and a fine of $30,000, while Spain star Gavi has been handed a one-match ban for his role in the incident too. On top of that, FIFA has also fined the Argentinian Football Association following multiple rule breaches, including the controversy after they knocked England out in the semi-finals. A few of their players held up a banner on the pitch with a political message regarding the Falkland Islands. The AFA have been fined $321,000, with $100,000 of that having to be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. They have also been ordered to play their next two home matches in front of half their usual attendance of spectators. FIFA explained in their statement that Argentina's punishment has been handed out for breaking four rules. They breached Article 12 of the Disciplinary Code, which relates to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. The World Cup finalists also breached Articles 14, 15 and 17, which relate to team misconduct, discrimination and racist abuse - in relation to discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters - and order and security at matches. Argentina punished for 'disgraceful' scenes Paredes and Argentina have been punished by FIFA following an investigation into their behaviour at the World Cup. It comes after they were heavily criticised for the aggressive reaction to losing to Spain in extra time of the final in New Jersey. Gabby Agbonlahor even called for Paredes to be banned from the entire next tournament for his role in the incident. Agbonlahor said in July: "You want to feel safe on the pitch, the punishment has to be that big that no one ever does that again. "No matter what happens in football, you can be angry you lost, but be classy in defeat. If you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight - not on the pitch against Garcia. "And the way he was manhandling Gavi, a 21-year-old kid, and you were throwing him around on the pitch, that's someone's son, brother. Disgraceful. I would ban him from the whole next tournament if I had my way. Coward." Paredes has avoided that extreme punishment, but he will now have to sit out of Argentina's next 10 fixtures. FIFA has stated that the international suspensions for all the players and coaches involved will instantly become active. Disciplined for display As mentioned, part of the punishment given to the entire AFA related to their players holding up a political flag. Argentina had already been charged by FIFA at the end of July for the actions, which saw some stars hold up a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which translates as 'The Falklands are Argentine'. The UK government called for them to be punished for holding up the flag, asking FIFA to investigate. And now they have concluded their investigation, hefty bans and fines have been handed out.