FIFA fines Argentina, bans Paredes for 10 matches after World Cup final brawl
FIFA has imposed a series of sanctions against the Argentine football team following their conduct during last month's World Cup final loss to Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for ten matches and fined $90,000 for triggering a post-match brawl after Spain's 1-0 victory in extra time on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also handed suspensions and fines to several other players and officials. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, while teammate Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000. Argentine team official Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000. Spain midfielder Gavi was also disciplined with a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 for multiple violations. These include using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters. As part of the penalty, Argentina has been ordered to invest $100,000 of the fine in a plan to combat discrimination.
Additionally, Argentina must play their next two home matches with a spectator capacity limit of 50 percent. However, one of those two matches and $100,000 of the fine are suspended during a probationary period.
The incident that led to Paredes's red card occurred after the final whistle. Video footage showed Paredes, who plays professionally for Argentina's Boca Juniors, charging at Spain defender Eric Garcia, grabbing him by the throat, and knocking him to the ground. The same footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina and Roberto Ayala throwing punches at opposing players during the ensuing scuffle.
The 'demonstrations of a non-sporting nature' referenced by FIFA took place after Argentina's semifinal victory over England. Several Argentine players unfurled a banner reading 'The Falklands are Argentine', a reference to the 1982 war between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the islands, which are known in Argentina as the Malvinas. The banner was displayed during celebrations following the match.
FIFA's disciplinary actions are part of its broader efforts to enforce standards of conduct on the field and among officials and supporters. The sanctions reflect the governing body's stance on maintaining sportsmanship and preventing political statements or discriminatory behaviour during international competitions.
The AFA has not yet issued a formal response to the sanctions. The suspensions will apply to upcoming international fixtures, including qualifiers and friendlies. The reduced spectator capacity for home matches is likely to affect Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
These penalties serve as a reminder of the consequences of breaching FIFA's disciplinary code, which aims to ensure that football remains a unifying and respectful sport. The specific measures, including the investment in anti-discrimination programs, underscore FIFA's commitment to addressing broader social issues within the sport.
