The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed severe sanctions for various incidents that occurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including fines and suspensions for members of the Argentina national team following the events of the final against Spain.
AFA sanctioned for role in the brawl
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined a total of $321,000 for violations related to non-sporting demonstrations, improper team conduct, discrimination, and racist abuse, as well as public order and safety issues. In addition to the financial penalty, FIFA ordered Argentina to play its next two home games with a 50 percent restriction on spectator capacity.
Of the $321,000 fine, $100,000 must be allocated to a program to combat discrimination. FIFA also suspended the enforcement of part of the sanction—specifically, the restriction on one of the matches and the $100,000 fine—subject to a probationary period. The sanctions also extended to members of the Argentine national team for incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup final, played against Spain on July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
Paredes given 10-game ban
Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Nahuel Molina was sanctioned with a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine.
Thiago Almada must serve a one-match suspension and pay a fine of $30,000. Roberto Ayala, a member of the coaching staff, was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000. Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, meanwhile, was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the suspensions will apply to the respective national teams’ next matches. The decisions were notified to the parties involved on Thursday; they have 10 days to request a reasoned decision. If requested, it will be published on legal.fifa.com. The sanctions may also be appealed in accordance with Article 61 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.