FIFA Bans Paredes for 10 Games After World Cup Final Clash

The punishment was the heaviest sanction announced by world football’s governing body after disciplinary proceedings into incidents that followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Spain won the final through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal, but tensions escalated after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in confrontations.

Paredes was at the centre of the incident after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling midfielder Gavi to the ground while still holding his substitute’s bib.

FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate what happened.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has also been handed a significant punishment, receiving a seven-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine.

Thiago Almada was suspended for one international match and fined $30,000.

Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his involvement.

Spain midfielder Gavi was also punished, receiving a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his role in the confrontation.

The sanctions extend beyond individual players and officials.

Argentina have been ordered to play their next two home matches with stadium capacity restricted to 50 percent, although one of those matches has been suspended as part of the ruling.

The Argentine Football Association has also been fined $321,000 for several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.

The charges included team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and the use of a sporting event for demonstrations considered to be of a non-sporting nature.

One of the incidents under investigation occurred following Argentina’s tense 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.

Several Argentina players displayed a banner carrying the message: “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The Falkland Islands remain the subject of a longstanding sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Argentina invaded the British overseas territory in 1982, triggering a 74-day conflict after Britain sent a naval task force to regain control of the islands.

The war resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine servicemen, 255 British servicemen and three islanders.

The Argentine Football Association has confirmed it intends to appeal the sanctions imposed by FIFA.

In a statement, the AFA said it would request the reasoning behind the decisions before presenting appeals to FIFA’s Appeals Committee.

The suspensions could have a significant impact on Argentina’s upcoming international fixtures, particularly with Paredes and Molina facing lengthy spells away from the national team.