Leandro Paredes Receives 10-Match Ban for Post-Match Chaos

Leandro Paredes has been hit with a 10‑match ban for his role in the post‑match chaos that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, with teammate Nahuel Molina suspended for seven games, Fifa confirmed on Friday.

The incident exploded at the final whistle. As Spain’s substitutes sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate their title, Paredes shoved Gavi to the ground, sparking a brief but ugly confrontation between players and staff from both sides.

Fifa’s disciplinary committee came down hard. Paredes was found guilty on three counts of assault, while Molina faced two. Both Argentina defenders were also fined US$90,000.

The fallout did not stop there. Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi were each charged with one count of unsporting behaviour and handed one‑match suspensions. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who had apologised for his involvement in the clash, received a three‑match ban after being found guilty of one assault count. Almada, Gavi and Ayala were each fined US$30,000.

Argentina’s governing body also paid a heavy price. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined a total of US$321,000 for multiple disciplinary breaches during the tournament, including players displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) after their semi-final win over England.

Harsh numbers, heavy sanctions – and a World Cup final that will be remembered as much for its flashpoint as for Spain’s victory.