FIFA slaps Argentina with hefty fine, punishments after World Cup final chaos

FIFA has sanctioned Argentina after the World Cup final disorder, fining the AFA and banning several team members. Argentina were also punished for multiple disciplinary breaches, including their decision to hold the banner about Falklands.Paredes was given a 10-match ban by FIFA (Courtesy: AFP)FIFA has punished the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of Argentina's squad and coaching staff for disciplinary violations arising from the 2026 World Cup, including the confrontation that followed the final on July 19.The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been ordered to pay $321,000 in fines after FIFA found multiple disciplinary violations during the World Cup. Among the incidents cited was a banner displayed by some Argentina players after their semi-final victory over England. The message read “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas”, translating to “The Falklands are Argentine”.Argentina will also be required to play their next home fixture with the stadium operating at just 50 per cent of its normal capacity.FIFA has suspended a further stadium-capacity restriction, along with 100,000 USD of the financial penalty, for a probationary period. As part of the disciplinary measures, another 100,000 USD from the fine must be invested in an anti-discrimination programme. The governing body has separately punished four members of Argentina's delegation for their involvement in the post-final altercations. A Spanish player has also received a disciplinary sanction in connection with the incident.Leandro Paredes has received the heaviest punishment among the Argentina players, with the midfielder suspended for 10 matches and fined USD 90,000. Defender Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven games and ordered to pay an additional USD 90,000 fine.Forward Thiago Almada has been suspended for one match and fined USD 30,000, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-match ban along with the same USD 30,000 financial penalty.PLAYER AND STAFF PUNISHMENTSLeandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000Pablo Martn Pez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000WHAT HAPPENED AFTER WORLD CUP FINALThe celebrations following Spain's World Cup triumph were overshadowed by a heated confrontation involving Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.Soon after the final whistle, Paredes approached Spain defender Eric Garcia as the Spanish players celebrated their title victory. Television footage showed the Argentine midfielder making physical contact with Garcia, with the situation quickly turning into an angry exchange.Barcelona midfielder Gavi then stepped in as he attempted to calm things down and prevent the confrontation between his Spain teammate and Paredes from escalating further.Paredes remained visibly agitated and appeared to move towards Gavi before Argentina forward Thiago Almada intervened. Almada pushed Gavi away as he tried to prevent the situation from worsening and avoid Paredes making further contact.However, the tensions continued to rise, with Paredes eventually striking Gavi in the face as players from both teams became involved in the post-match melee.- EndsPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 20:54 IST