Zurich, August 21 (QNA) – FIFA announced today imposing sanctions against several players involved in the violence that followed the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, which ended with Argentina losing to Spain 1-0.
In a statement, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee revealed that it had suspended Argentine players Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches and fined him USD 90,000, Nahuel Molina for seven matches and fined him USD 90,000, Thiago Almada for one match and fined him USD 30,000, and team administrator Roberto Ayala for three matches and fined him USD 30,000. Spanish player Pablo Martin Paes Gavira, known as “Gavi,” was also suspended for one match and fined USD 30,000.
The Argentine Football Association was also fined USD 321,000 for violating FIFA’s disciplinary rules regarding the use of a sporting event for unsportsmanlike conduct, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by its fans. However, the association announced it would appeal the suspensions and fines.
The chaos erupted when Leandro Paredes grabbed Spanish player Gavi by the neck and pulled him to the ground while holding his shirt, sparking a brawl between players of the two teams. (QNA)