FIFA has issued severe punishments to Argentina‘s national team following disorderly conduct after the World Cup Final against Spain in New Jersey. Leandro Paredes received the harshest penalty with a ten-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-game ban and an identical financial penalty.
The disciplinary action stems from clashes that marred the tournament conclusion across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with most incidents occurring after the final whistle. Former Roma and Juventus midfielder Paredes was identified as a central figure in the brawl, resulting in his lengthy suspension. Molina, who recently transferred from Atlético Madrid to Italian club Roma, will miss seven consecutive international fixtures for his country.
Additional Bans and Financial Penalties
Further player suspensions include Thiago Almada and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, who each received one-match bans and $30,000 fines. Team official Roberto Ayala, who played for Napoli and Milan during his career, was banned for three matches and fined $30,000.
The Argentine Football Association faces broader organisational sanctions. The national team must stage their next two home matches with stadium attendance capped at fifty per cent capacity. The governing body has also received a financial penalty.
Implications for Club and Country
The punishments create immediate complications for both international selection and club integration. Molina’s recent arrival at Roma means the Italian side will see their new signing restricted from national team duty for an extended period. Paredes, formerly of Roma and Juventus, faces a significant absence from international football.
Argentina must now plan for upcoming international fixtures without several established squad members. The stadium capacity restriction further diminishes home advantage for the next two matches on Argentine soil, affecting both match atmosphere and federation revenue.