CORNERFLICK
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has handed Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine after the trouble that followed the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
What FIFA decided
According to Marca, FIFA has now issued final sanctions after reviewing the events at MetLife Stadium on 19 July and the responses from those involved.
Paredes was given the longest ban in the case. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Roberto Ayala, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant with Argentina, was banned for three matches and fined $30,000.
Thiago Almada of Argentina and Spain’s Gavi were each handed one-match bans and $30,000 fines.
How the incident escalated
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time through a goal from Fran Torres, but the final whistle was followed by a major confrontation involving players and staff from both sides.
Reports said Paredes became involved with Eric García, while Molina’s clash with Spain captain Rodri was among the first flashpoints. Ayala was also reported to have had an altercation with Dani Olmo.
The disciplinary case was opened in late July after images of the incidents spread across media and social platforms. Paredes’s 10-game ban is notably longer than Luis Suárez’s nine-match suspension for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.