FIFA slams 10 match ban on Argentina’s Paredes
World’s football governing body FIFA has slammed a 10-match ban on Leandro Paredes for the role he played after the Argentina versus Spain post match clash at the 2026 World Cup hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.
Recall that seconds after the final whistle of the game, Paredes initiated physical altercations on the pitch when he shoved and grabbed Spanish player Eric Garcia by the neck, and then pushed and struck substitute Gavi to the ground.
The player’s action triggered a wider mass brawl after the final involving multiple players and staff members from both squads leaving many to ponder on what could have really prompted Paredes to act in the manner he did.
FIFA has now come down hard on the player with a 10-game suspension including a $90,000 fine for the role he played in instigating the violent post-match brawl.
Other suspended players include; Molina (Argentina) : 7-game ban + $90,000 fine, Almada (Argentina) : 1-game ban + $30,000 fine, Ayala (Argentina): 3-game ban + $30,000 fine and Gavi (Spain): 1-game ban + $30,000 fine.
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The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was also hammered with a separate $321,000 fine by FIFA while assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a 3-match ban and a $30,000 fine.
FIFA also punished Argentina after its players also displayed a controversial white sheet reading “Los Malvinas Son Argentinas”, which translates to “the Falklands are Argentina” after the semi-final game against England.
A statement by the Football governing body confirmed that the fines were heavily influenced by “discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters” and “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
The suspensions slammed on the players are confirmed to be for the national team games only with the Argentina FA already stating its intention to appeal the decision made by FIFA.
