FIFA suspends Argentina players, fines football association over World Cup incidents

ZURICH, Aug 21: FIFA has fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and imposed suspensions on three Argentine players and a team official following disciplinary incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a post-match confrontation after the final against Spain.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe punishment, with FIFA's Disciplinary Committee handing him a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine.

Defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000, while midfielder Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.

Argentina team official Roberto Ayala was also suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.

Spain midfielder Gavi, who was involved in the confrontation, was handed a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.

The sanctions stem from incidents surrounding the World Cup final, which Spain won against Argentina in the United States last month. FIFA said the disciplinary proceedings covered violations including misconduct, discrimination, security breaches and the use of a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.

FIFA also imposed a $321,000 fine on the AFA over several disciplinary violations during the tournament.

One of the cases involved the display of a banner concerning the disputed Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, following Argentina's semifinal against England.

Under the sanctions, $100,000 of the fine must be invested in an anti-discrimination plan, while another $100,000 has been suspended subject to a probationary period.

Argentina has also been ordered to play its next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity.

FIFA said the decisions were issued following disciplinary proceedings into incidents during the tournament and noted that the sanctions are subject to appeal where applicable.

The penalties represent a significant disciplinary setback for Argentina, with several key figures now facing lengthy suspensions as FIFA moves to enforce its regulations on player conduct, discrimination and political or non-sporting demonstrations at international matches.