Did FIFA let Argentina's Leandro Paredes off the hook after World Cup final brawl?

It seems like FIFA have let Leandro Paredes go off the hook after his part in the brawl that followed after the World Cup final. Following the defeat on Sunday to Spain, many of the Argentina stars were seen in an altercation with the La Roja players, with Paredes being at the forefront.Shortly after the final whistle, television cameras caught the Argentina midfielder confronting Spain defender Eric Garcia during the celebrations. The Argentina midfielder charged toward Garcia as the Spaniard celebrated the World Cup triumph and struck him twice, sparking a heated altercation.As the confrontation intensified, Gavi rushed in to pull the pair apart and calm the situation involving his Barcelona teammate. Paredes, still visibly furious, then appeared to swing an arm towards the Spain midfielder. Argentina's Thiago Almada tried to intervene by shoving Gavi away from the flashpoint in an attempt to keep him out of harm's way, but Paredes' arm still made contact with Gavi's face as tempers flared.The commentators announced that Paredes was shown a red card for his actions. Or so we thought. FIFA DELETES PAREDES RED CARDAccording to a report from BBC sport, FIFA's commentator information system initially indicated that referee Slavko Vincic had shown Leandro Paredes a red card for allegedly grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat.However, the dismissal was removed from the system moments later. FIFA subsequently clarified to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action had been taken against Paredes during or after the incident.FIFA APPOINTS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEEIn the aftermath of the World Cup final, FIFA has established a disciplinary panel and appointed an independent disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents that unfolded after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium.Those found responsible for their role in the clashes could face suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also risks financial penalties. Following Spain's 1-0 victory, sealed by Ferran Torres' decisive goal, several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in heated confrontations with Spanish players on the pitch.FIFA's disciplinary regulations, specifically Article 13, allow for sanctions in cases involving unsporting conduct, breaches of fair play principles, or behaviour deemed to have damaged the reputation of the sport or the governing body.FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News - EndsPublished On: Jul 22, 2026 10:40 IST