{
  "id": 2439547,
  "title": "Argentina star hit with one of the biggest bans in World Cup history",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/argentina-star-hit-with-one-of-the-biggest-bans-in-world-cup-history",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T22:03:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-22/fifa-hands-argentina-star-leando-paredes-10-match-ban/107066632"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Leandro Paredes, an Argentine star, has been banned for 10 matches by FIFA, along with Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada. The severe ban resulted from Paredes striking a Spain player after Argentina's World Cup final loss. Paredes' punishment is comparable to Luis Suárez's four-month ban in 2014 for biting an Italian player. Both sanctions are among the harshest in World Cup history. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension, while Thiago Almada was banned for one game. FIFA also imposed fines of $US90,000 and $US30,000 on Paredes and Molina, respectively, and $US30,000 for Almada. The ban effectively expels Paredes from Argentina's team for a year, as the FIFA calendar includes 10 matches through June 2027 for national team representation.",
  "summary": "Argentina's Leandro Paredes is banned from playing for his country for 10 games after striking Spanish opponents after the final whistle in the World Cup final.",
  "key_points": [
    "Argentine star Leandro Paredes banned for 10 matches by FIFA",
    "Paredes' ban stems from striking Spain player post-World Cup loss",
    "Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada receive seven- and one-match suspensions"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Argentina star hit with one of the biggest bans in World Cup history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/argentina-star-hit-with-one-of-the-biggest-bans-in-world-cup-history-2444183",
        "published": "2026-08-21T22:03:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}