Overview
- The post-match brawl after the World Cup final on July 19 involved Leandro Paredes clashing with Eric García and a wider melee with Spain players that led to FIFA disciplinary action.
- FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended Paredes for 10 international matches, banned Nahuel Molina for seven matches, gave Gavi one match, and fined the Argentine Football Association €275,000 for tournament rule breaches.
- Argentina secured FIFA permission to count some suspensions in Category A friendlies and CONMEBOL fixtures so Paredes and Molina can serve bans in upcoming non-competitive matches and reduce their effective absence.
- Paredes publicly called the 10-match sanction excessive, highlighted that Gavi received only a one-match ban after he says Gavi struck him, and confirmed he will seek reduction through an appeal.
- The AFA is waiting for FIFA’s written reasons before lodging formal appeals and any party can request review by FIFA’s Appeal Committee and ultimately the Court of Arbitration for Sport.