FIFA Changes Argentina Players’ Sanctions Following World Cup Final
FIFA approved AFA’s request to allow its players to serve their suspensions in Class A friendlies. Paredes, Molina and Almada now have a way to reduce their bans.
FIFA approved the request from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to allow the suspensions imposed on its players for incidents during the 2026 World Cup final to also be served in Class A friendly matches, in addition to official games. The decision provides an important alternative for the sanctioned players to complete their bans without having to wait exclusively for official competitions.
According to a statement published by the AFA, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee determined that the request complies with the current regulations and approved it. The Argentine federation had formally asked for friendly and official matches to count toward the suspensions, taking into account the national team’s upcoming schedule.
The change is particularly significant in the case of Leandro Paredes, who received a 10-match suspension, the longest among the Argentine players involved. Nahuel Molina was also handed a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension. The coaching staff was also affected, with Roberto Ayala receiving a three-match ban.
Paredes, Molina and Almada have a new way to serve their bans
FIFA’s approval significantly changes Argentina’s options for serving the suspensions during the upcoming international windows. With Class A friendlies now counting, La Albiceleste will have more opportunities for its players to complete their remaining matches.
The case of Paredes is the most notable. The midfielder was handed a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine for the incidents during the final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain. Under the new decision, those matches can be served through internationally recognized friendly fixtures.
Molina, meanwhile, faces a seven-match ban, while Almada only has to serve one match.
According to the information provided in the reference reports, Argentina has several international windows scheduled between the remainder of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. The national team could play up to six matches during the rest of 2026, depending on how its schedule ultimately takes shape.
AFA still looking to reduce FIFA-imposed sanctions
Although the approval represents good news for Argentina, the AFA does not consider the case closed. The federation made it clear that it will continue seeking reductions to the bans through the appropriate appeals process.
The Argentine Football Association said it is still waiting for the grounds behind the decisions made by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Once it receives that documentation, it will be able to file the corresponding appeals with the FIFA Appeals Committee.
AFA legal adviser Andrés Patón Urich had already publicly questioned the severity of the sanctions, saying the federation considers the punishments excessive. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could become the final avenue for a challenge.
Argentina also faces a hefty fine and reduced stadium capacity
The AFA received a $321,000 fine for various violations recorded during the 2026 World Cup, related to team conduct, fan behavior, security, discrimination and demonstrations considered unrelated to sporting matters.
One of the incidents cited was the display of a flag reading “The Falklands are Argentine” following Argentina’s semifinal victory over England. Other incidents from different matches during the tournament were also taken into account.
In addition to the financial penalty, Argentina will have to play its next two home matches with stadium capacity reduced to 50%. However, part of these measures was suspended during a probationary period, including one of the affected matches and $100,000 of the fine.
