By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, August 21, 2026 - FIFA has imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions following the ugly confrontation that erupted between Argentina and Spain players after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The most severe punishment has gone to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has been handed a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. Fellow Argentine Nahuel Molina has received a seven-match ban and the same $90,000 fine.
The sanctions follow disciplinary proceedings opened by FIFA after the post-match incidents at the World Cup final on July 19. FIFA had previously confirmed that Paredes faced three separate assault charges, while Molina faced two assault-related charges and an additional charge of unsporting behaviour.
Paredes receives the harshest punishment#
Paredes has been punished most severely, with FIFA suspending him for 10 international matches.
The midfielder was involved in several confrontations immediately after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final. His conduct was investigated under FIFA's disciplinary provisions concerning assault.
The 10-game suspension represents a significant blow to Argentina, particularly because Paredes remains an important option in the national-team midfield.
His $90,000 fine accompanies the sporting suspension.
Molina banned for seven matches#
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has received a seven-match suspension, together with a $90,000 financial penalty.
FIFA's original disciplinary case against Molina involved two alleged incidents of assault, one completed and another attempted, as well as a separate charge relating to unsporting behaviour.
His seven-match punishment means Argentina will also be without one of their experienced defenders for a significant run of international fixtures.
Thiago Almada has been given a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine following his involvement in the post-match incident. FIFA's initial proceedings had charged Ayala with assault.
The punishment therefore extends beyond the players directly involved and also affects Argentina's coaching staff.
Gavi also receives a one-match ban#
Spain are not entirely exempt from FIFA's disciplinary action.
Barcelona midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, has been handed a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
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Gavi had been involved in the confrontation with Paredes after the final whistle. Interestingly, before FIFA announced its decision, the Spanish midfielder had publicly indicated that he did not want Paredes to receive a suspension over the incident.
The bans apply to international football#
One of the most important details surrounding the sanctions is that the suspensions are for national-team matches.
That means the affected players will not be prevented from representing their respective clubs because of these FIFA sanctions. The punishments will instead be served during future international fixtures involving Argentina and Spain.
This distinction is particularly important for Paredes and Molina, who can continue their club careers while serving their international suspensions.
FIFA had investigated the incident for weeks#
The punishments follow a formal disciplinary process that began shortly after the World Cup final.
On July 29, FIFA confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee had opened proceedings against Paredes, Molina, Almada, Ayala and Gavi following reports from the tournament's disciplinary and ethics prosecutor.
The investigation centred on the confrontation that took place after Spain's victory, when tensions boiled over between members of both teams.
The incident attracted considerable criticism, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente describing the behaviour surrounding the final as unacceptable.
The player suspensions are not the only FIFA disciplinary measures connected to Argentina's World Cup campaign.
FIFA has also taken action against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over several alleged breaches during the tournament, including discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, inappropriate messages, late kick-offs and security-related issues.
Reports following the latest decisions indicate that the AFA has also been fined and faces additional measures relating to incidents during the tournament.
The FIFA sanctions bring a lengthy investigation into the Argentina-Spain post-final confrontation to a conclusion.
Paredes has received the biggest punishment with 10 matches, followed by Molina with seven, while Ayala has been banned for three international games. Almada and Gavi each receive one-match suspensions.
For Argentina, the biggest concern will be the extended absence of Paredes and Molina from the national team.
FIFA has made its position clear: the events following the World Cup final have resulted in substantial sporting and financial penalties, with the suspensions applying to international football rather than the players' club careers.