FIFA Hands Leandro Paredes a Historic Punishment

FIFA has made its decision regarding the incidents that marred the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and the consequences are severe.

The most significant punishment falls on Leandro Paredes.

The Argentine midfielder has been suspended for 10 matches with the national team, in addition to receiving a fine of more than €77,000, for his involvement in the altercation and his aggression toward Gavi. It is an extraordinarily severe punishment through which FIFA is looking to send a strong message after images of the confrontation went around the world following the final played on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

What happened after a match of this magnitude did not go unnoticed by the governing body. A World Cup final represents the biggest stage in soccer, and the Disciplinary Committee responded with sanctions intended to set an important precedent.

Paredes Receives the Harshest Punishment

After reviewing the report on the incidents that occurred following the final, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee determined that Paredes should receive the longest suspension.

The 10-match ban makes his case the most significant of all, but he was not the only Argentine player punished.

Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a fine of more than €77,000 for the incident involving Rodri that ultimately triggered the confrontation.

Roberto Ayala, a member of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff, was also punished with a three-match suspension and a fine of nearly €26,000.

Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension, while on the Spanish side, Gavi was also sanctioned and will have to serve a one-game ban. Both players were also handed fines exceeding €26,000.

In the case of the FC Barcelona midfielder, the suspension will prevent him from playing for Spain against England on September 26 at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA Nations League.

The suspensions will carry over to the respective national teams’ upcoming matches, in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Argentina Also Receive a Major Punishment

The consequences did not end with the players.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined more than €235,000 for several violations recorded during the final, including team misconduct, issues related to order and security, as well as discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentine supporters.

In addition, Argentina will have to play their next two home matches with a 50% spectator restriction.

Around €86,000 of the financial penalty must be invested in an anti-discrimination plan. An additional portion of the punishment has been suspended and will be subject to a probationary period.

FIFA Looks to Set a Precedent

The severity of the sanctions sends a very clear message.

The altercation became one of the negative images of a final that should have been remembered solely for what happened on the field between Spain and Argentina.

The suspension handed to Leandro Paredes is particularly significant. Ten matches represent an enormous punishment for any international player and demonstrate just how seriously FIFA viewed his actions.

The governing body is looking to prevent similar scenes from happening again, especially in matches at the highest level and, even more so, in a FIFA World Cup final.

The World Cup ended on the field with Spain lifting the trophy.

Now, more than a month later, the consequences of everything that happened after the final whistle have also arrived.