Top News

FIFA has imposed landmark suspensions on Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina after a major brawl broke out at the end of last month's World Cup final against Spain. The two Argentina internationals have been hit with a combined 17-match ban after ugly scenes spoiled the close of the tournament finale and took the shine off Spain's dramatic extra-time win.

Heavy sanctions for Argentina players

As per a report in the Daily Mail, FIFA announced today that Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches and fined $90,000 for violent conduct after last month's World Cup final against Spain. His Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina has been given a seven-match ban along with the same $90,000 fine.

The world governing body issued a statement setting out the serious punishments for their part in triggering the brawl that erupted at the final whistle. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, meaning the South American champions are facing major disciplinary fallout for their actions after the match.

Falklands banner and harsh team punishment

Alongside the individual bans, the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 and will have to stage its next two matches with the stadium limited to 50 per cent capacity. These strict collective penalties were imposed for several breaches, including racist abuse and a political demonstration after their semi-final win over England. Players displayed a controversial white banner carrying the message "Los Malvinas Son Argentinas", meaning "the Falklands are Argentina". A FIFA statement said the fines were strongly influenced by "discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters" and "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature".

Chaos after the final whistle and Spain's win

The unpleasant scenes first unfolded on Sunday when Paredes pushed Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground immediately after the final whistle. As tempers boiled over, Spain's substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate a hard-earned 1-0 victory, secured by substitute Ferran Torres in extra time.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni eventually had to step in to calm the situation. For their involvement in the melee that followed, Thiago Almada and Gavi were both handed one-match bans and $30,000 fines. The chaotic finish overshadowed a tense contest in which Argentina had already struggled to keep their discipline, underlined by Enzo Fernandez being sent off in second-half stoppage time.

What next for Argentina?

Argentina must now get ready for their upcoming international matches without two of their most important players, while also dealing with strict stadium-capacity restrictions. Scaloni will have to reassess his tactical plans and bring fresh faces into the squad to cover for the lengthy absences of Paredes and Molina. Spain, meanwhile, will aim to build on their huge World Cup success as they move into the next competitive cycle.