Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches by FIFA following Argentina’s post-match fighting after their World Cup final defeat by Spain, while the country’s football association has been fined £235,647 for displaying a Falklands banner after the semi-final win over England.
Paredes was sent off for violent conduct after Argentina’s extra-time loss to Spain in New York/New Jersey. He was involved in a confrontation with Spain defender Eric Garcia, grabbing him by the throat before pushing substitute Gavi to the ground.
The disciplinary action means Paredes will miss 10 matches. Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina, who was also involved in the disorder, has received a seven-match ban after attempting to knock Spain captain Rodri over as he ran past.
Thiago Almada has been suspended for one match for his involvement, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has also received a one-game ban. Ayala was punished after attempting to punch Spain player Dani Olmo in the face.
Gavi has been given a one-match suspension for his part in the incidents.
The confrontations came after a fiercely contested final in which Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card. The reaction from the Argentina players followed a match that had featured a number of heavy challenges before tensions escalated after the final whistle.
Falklands banner leads to further punishment
Argentina have also been fined over a political banner displayed during their 2-1 semi-final victory against England at Atlanta Stadium.
The banner read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ – ‘The Falklands are Argentine’ – referring to the self-governing British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
It was held up by Argentina players as they celebrated in front of their supporters and was then placed on the pitch in front of the Argentina end. The banner remained there for several minutes before one of the players folded it and passed it to a member of the team’s backroom staff.
FIFA regulations prohibit political messaging at matches. The $321,000 fine, reported as £235,647, also relates to discrimination and racist abuse by Argentina supporters.
Argentina’s prize money from the World Cup was $34m. Of the punishment imposed by FIFA, $100,000 must be spent on anti-discrimination campaigns, while a further $100,000 of the fine has been suspended.
The governing body has also ordered Argentina to stage their next two home matches in front of limited crowds. Attendance for both games must be reduced to 50% of stadium capacity.
The sanctions cover both the conduct of players and staff after the final and the political display following the semi-final, leaving Argentina facing significant sporting and financial consequences despite reaching the World Cup final.