Photograph: Unsplash / admin. Featured briefing graphics for The Central Report.
ZURICH — World football governing body FIFA handed down severe disciplinary suspensions to three Argentina players and fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 on August 21, 2026, following post-match brawls and political demonstrations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the harshest penalty, hit with a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine for assault after grabbing Spain’s Eric García by the throat and pushing Gavi to the turf following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat in the final at MetLife Stadium.
Defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000 for his involvement in the altercation. Midfielder Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were handed one-match and three-match bans respectively, each alongside $30,000 fines. Spain midfielder Gavi also received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine for his role in the fracas.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee penalised the AFA for broader institutional violations across the tournament in the United States. Charges included fan discrimination, security failures, and non-sporting political demonstrations after players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”—referencing the disputed Falkland Islands—following their semi-final victory over England.
In addition to the monetary penalty, FIFA ordered Argentina to play its next home competitive match with spectator capacity capped at 50%. A second 50% capacity restriction and $100,000 of the total fine were suspended subject to a probationary period. FIFA mandated that $100,000 of the collected funds must be invested directly into an anti-discrimination action plan.
The suspensions carry over into international competitive fixtures, meaning Paredes and Molina will miss significant portions of Argentina’s upcoming official matches. The AFA confirmed its legal team will request FIFA’s full written grounds to lodge an appeal with the governing body’s Appeal Committee, retaining the option to escalate the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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