FIFA announced Friday that multiple players and a coach from the Argentina men’s national team, plus a player from Spain’s national team have been punished for their role in a post-match brawl following Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.
FIFA fined and levied a 10-match ban against Leandro Paredes, a seven-match ban against Nahuel Molina a one-match ban against Thiago Almada and a three-match ban against assistant coach Roberto Ayala, all of whom represent Argentina. Spain’s Pablo MartÃn Gavira (Gavi) received a one-match ban as well:
Per Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, the Argentinian Football Association was fined $321,000, and Argentina’s next two home matches in international play will see their spectator capacity limited to 50 percent:
Multiple members of the Argentine and Spanish national teams clashed after the final whistle blew for the World Cup final, including Paredes knocking both Gavi and Eric Garcia to the ground:
Tempers seemingly flared for Argentina following a disappointing performance in their attempt to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Paredes, 32, was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022, and he currently plays his club soccer for Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Molina and Almada also won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, and they play their club soccer for AS Roma and River Plate, respectively.
Ayala, 53, earned 116 caps for the Argentine senior national team as a center-back before transitioning into coaching and joining Argentina’s staff in 2019.
Gavi, who was the only Spanish player to receive a punishment, is a 22-year-old midfielder for FC Barcelona.
In addition to winning his first World Cup title with Spain this year, Gavi is a three-time La Liga champion with Barca.
