FIFA has fined and banned several players from the Argentine national team for participating in fights after the World Cup final match. Specifically, midfielder Leandro Paredes received a ban from 10 international matches and a fine of $90,000 USD (approximately 1.62 million reais).
According to FIFA's statement, Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the neck and threw Gavi from Spain to the ground while holding a substitute player's bib. These actions provoked an escalation of incidents on the field after Spain won 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Other players from the Argentine national team also faced penalties: teammate Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 USD fine (about 1.62 million reais), while Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000 USD (about 540,000 reais).
Furthermore, Argentina's coaching staff member Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 USD fine (about 540,000 reais). For his role in the disorder after Argentina's defeat to the title holders, Gavi was suspended for one match and fined $30,000 USD (about 540,000 reais).
Argentina has also been ordered to hold its next two home matches with reduced capacity to fifty percent, although one of these restrictions is suspended. Additionally, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 USD (about 5.78 million reais) for violating FIFA's disciplinary code regarding the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, improper team conduct, and discriminatory fan chants and gestures.
This occurred after the Argentine national team, led by Lionel Messi, defeated England 2-1 in a tense World Cup semi-final, when several Argentine players held a banner reading: 'Falkland Islands are Argentine.'
AFA stated that it intends to appeal the imposed sanctions and fines, requesting FIFA for the grounds of the decisions subject to review in order to file an appeal with the Appeals Committee.
