PAREDES BANNED AFTER THROWING GAVI IN WORLD CUP FINAL ALTERCATION

Leandro Paredes has been handed a suspension following an incident after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in July. The Argentina midfielder was seen grabbing Barcelona player Gavi by the throat and throwing him to the floor as Spain players celebrated their victory. FIFA opened an investigation into the altercation and subsequently issued Paredes a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Following a request from the Argentine Football Association, FIFA adapted the suspension, reducing the length of the ban.

Four other players and one coach received punishment for their involvement in the post-match scenes. Nahuel Molina was given a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine, whilst Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Gavi was also sanctioned by FIFA, missing one match and paying a $30,000 fine for his actions during the incident. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was issued a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine after appearing to strike Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo during the chaos.

The punishments marked FIFA's response to behaviour following Spain's victory in the tournament. The investigation and subsequent sanctions represented the governing body's attempt to address conduct it deemed unacceptable in a World Cup final. The specific details of FIFA's reasoning for reducing Paredes' initial ban following Argentina's appeal were not disclosed.