FIFA suspends Paredes for 10 matches over World Cup final incident

FIFA on Friday suspended Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches following an altercation with Spanish players after Argentina's loss in the World Cup final. Paredes was also fined $90,000 for grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground during the post-match incident.

Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, while midfielder Thiago Almada was suspended for one game and fined $30,000. The suspensions rank among the harshest disciplinary measures ever imposed for World Cup-related incidents, comparable to the ban handed to Uruguay forward Luis Suarez in 2014.

For Paredes, the 10-match suspension effectively represents nearly a year away from international football, as the FIFA calendar through June 2027 includes 10 fixtures, most of which are expected to be friendly matches with no competitive games currently scheduled for Argentina during this period.

Spain's Gavi also received a one-match ban for his involvement in the incident, with the suspension applying to a UEFA Nations League fixture against England. The disciplinary actions underscore FIFA's commitment to maintaining standards of conduct in international football, even in the aftermath of major tournaments.