FIFA Sanctions Spain and Argentina Over World Cup Final Clashes
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has handed down a series of severe sanctions to players and officials from both Spain and Argentina, following ugly scenes that marred the 2026 World Cup final between the two nations at the New York New Jersey stadium on 19 July.
The heaviest punishment was reserved for Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, banned for 10 matches and fined more than €77,000 after an assault on Spain midfielder Gavi. Nahuel Molina was also handed a seven-match suspension along with a fine of similar size, having been found to have sparked the initial flashpoint with a strike on Rodri.
The disciplinary action extended beyond the playing squad, with Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, part of Lionel Scaloni’s staff, suspended for three matches and fined close to €26,000. Both Thiago Almada and Gavi were each given one-match bans and fines exceeding €26,000, with Gavi’s suspension ruling him out of Spain’s upcoming Nations League fixture against England.
FIFA’s sanctions weren’t confined to individuals either. The Argentine Football Federation was fined in excess of €235,000 over breaches of team conduct, using the occasion of the match for non-sporting purposes, and separate incidents involving discriminatory chanting and gestures from sections of supporters, alongside further violations relating to order and security inside the stadium. As part of the punishment, Argentina have been ordered to play their next two home fixtures in front of a reduced capacity of 50%, while roughly €86,000 of the fine imposed on the federation will go towards funding a discrimination prevention programme.
FIFA confirmed that part of the overall sanctions has been suspended and placed under a probationary period, with all parties involved given a 10-day window to request a reasoned decision, and the option to appeal in line with the governing body’s disciplinary regulations.
