FIFA Bans Argentina's Leandro Paredes for 10 Matches Following World Cup Final Incident
Leandro Paredes receives a 10-match ban and $90,000 fine from FIFA after a post-final clash at the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Spain.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine following his involvement in a confrontation after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match against Spain.
The incident took place on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium shortly after Argentina secured the title. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also imposed sanctions on several other individuals connected to the event.
Additional Sanctions
- Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine.
- Midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
- Team official Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
- Spain's midfielder Gavi was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
Penalties for Argentine Football Association
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined a total of $321,000 for various violations during the tournament, including breaches related to non-sporting demonstrations, misconduct, discrimination, racist abuse, and security lapses during matches.
Additionally, the AFA must restrict attendance to 50% capacity for their next two home games. FIFA has also mandated that $100,000 of the fine be allocated to anti-discrimination initiatives. Some penalties have been suspended on probationary terms.
Decisions were communicated to the involved parties on August 21, with a 10-day window to request detailed reasoning. Appeals remain possible.
