The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has penalised the Argentine Football Association and several players after a post-match brawl erupted at the recent World Cup final.
Argentina players clashed with celebrating opponents following their 1-0 defeat to Spain, prompting world football's governing body to issue fines and suspensions on Friday.
The Argentine Football Association was ordered to pay a fine of $321,000 for breaching Articles 13, 14, 15, and 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The violations included team misconduct, racial discrimination, disruption of order and security at matches, and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations after a Falkland Islands flag was displayed at the venue.
The national team was also ordered to reduce stadium capacity by 50 per cent for their next two home fixtures. However, FIFA confirmed that the enforcement of part of the sanction, covering one home match and $100,000 of the fine, has been suspended subject to a probationary period. FIFA stipulated that $100,000 of the financial penalty must be allocated to an anti-discrimination plan.
Player Suspensions and Fines
Individual punishments were handed down to several members of the Argentine squad and coaching staff. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban alongside a $90,000 fine, while defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match suspension and an identical $90,000 penalty. Forward Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
Roberto Ayala, a member of the coaching staff for the World Cup runners-up, received a three-match suspension and a fine of $30,000. Sanctions were not limited to Argentina, as Spanish midfielder Gavi was also penalised. The player must serve a one-match suspension for his national team and pay a $30,000 fine.
Sanction Terms and Appeals
FIFA confirmed that all match suspensions apply exclusively to international fixtures rather than club competitions. The decision allows the affected players to continue competing for their respective club teams in domestic and continental matches.
The penalised associations and individuals have 10 days from the date of the decision to lodge an appeal against the sanctions.
