Argentina’s Paredes banned for 10 games

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 games following his involvement in on-field clashes after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Paredes was involved in a physical altercation with Spain's Gavi, grabbing him by the throat and wrestling him to the ground. He also appeared to strike Gavi in the face, resulting in Gavi being suspended for one game and facing a $30,000 fine.

Thiago Almada, another Argentine player, was also suspended for one game and fined $30,000 for participating in the post-match confrontation. Roberto Ayala, the Argentine coach, was given a three-match suspension and fined $30,000 for striking Spain's Dani Olmo in the face. Argentina's Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for violations of the FIFA disciplinary code, including using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants by its supporters.

Of this fine, $100,000 (£73,000) must be invested in a discrimination-combatting plan, while the remaining $100,000 (£73,000) is suspended pending a probationary period. The AFA plans to appeal the sanctions, with a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if unsuccessful.