FIFA’s disciplinary committee delivered its harshest punishment yet to Argentina’s midfield engine Leandro Paredes, imposing a ten‑match international suspension and a $90,000 fine for his role in the post‑match brawl that followed the 1‑0 World Cup final loss to Spain on July 19, 2024. The decision, announced on July 22, caps a series of sanctions that also target teammates, a coach and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for conduct deemed contrary to the sport’s code of conduct.
Video reviewed by the committee showed Paredes grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and then wrestling Spain’s midfielder Gavi to the ground while clutching his own substitute’s bib. The Argentine midfielder’s aggressive actions helped ignite a chaotic scene that spilled onto the pitch after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to AFP, the ten‑match ban will apply to the next ten international fixtures scheduled through June 2027, effectively sidelining Paredes for roughly a year.
The sanctions did not stop with Paredes. Fellow Argentine Nahuel Molina received a seven‑match ban and an identical $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada was handed a one‑match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Coach Roberto Ayala, part of the senior staff, was given a three‑match ban and a $30,000 fine. Spain’s Gavi was not immune; the 21‑year‑old was suspended for one match and fined $30,000 for his involvement in the fracas.
Beyond individual punishments, FIFA fined the AFA $321,000 for breaching the disciplinary code by displaying a Falkland Islands banner after the semi‑final win over England and for allowing discriminatory chants among supporters. The federation must also host its next two home matches at 50 % stadium capacity, although one of those restrictions is suspended pending further review. The fine amount has been reported as $321,000 in most outlets, though an AP excerpt cited a lower $110,000 figure, highlighting a lingering inconsistency in reporting.
The timeline of events is clear: the final took place on July 19, the disciplinary panel examined the footage on July 20‑21, and the sanctions were released on July 22. The bans cover ten international fixtures through June 2027, meaning Paredes and his compatriots will miss a substantial portion of upcoming qualifiers and friendlies. While the penalties aim to deter future misconduct, they also raise questions about proportionality, especially given the differing fine figures and the suspended stadium‑capacity restriction.
Reactions have been mixed. Argentine officials have expressed disappointment but pledged to appeal the capacity‑reduction order, arguing that the sanction unfairly penalises fans. Spanish representatives welcomed the decisive action, emphasizing the need for “zero tolerance” toward violence on the world stage. As both federations prepare for the next round of World Cup qualifying, the fallout from the New Jersey melee will linger, serving as a stark reminder that even the sport’s biggest stage is not immune to disciplinary scrutiny.
