FIFA has fined the Argentine Football Association US$321,000 over discriminatory conduct by supporters and other incidents during the 2026 World Cup, with US$100,000 ordered to be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was also handed a 10-game international suspension and fined US$90,000 over violent confrontations following the country’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final.FIFA announced the punishments Friday after concluding disciplinary proceedings involving the Argentine association, three Argentina players, a member of its coaching staff and Spain midfielder Gavi.The association was sanctioned for discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters, team misconduct, security violations and the display of political messages during the tournament.Argentina players displayed a banner declaring the Falkland Islands — known in Argentina as the Malvinas — to be Argentine territory following their semifinal victory over England.FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with stadium attendance restricted to 50% capacity. Part of the penalty involving one match and US$100,000 of the fine was suspended subject to a probationary period..The association must spend another US$100,000 on an anti-discrimination plan.The most severe individual punishment went to Paredes, who was accused of grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat before knocking Gavi to the ground during the confrontation following the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game international suspension and a US$90,000 fine after being accused of striking Spain midfielder Rodri in the torso as Spanish players celebrated their victory.Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Gavi were each banned for one national-team match and fined US$30,000.Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game suspension and a US$30,000 fine over an altercation involving Spain’s Dani Olmo.All of the suspensions apply to national-team matches and will not affect the players’ club careers.Paredes’ punishment could keep him away from the Argentina squad until the middle of 2027, depending on the national team’s schedule.FIFA opened the disciplinary proceedings in July, accusing Paredes of three counts of assault and Molina of one completed and one attempted assault.Molina, Almada and Gavi were also investigated for unsporting conduct.Spain won the final through a Ferran Torres goal in extra time after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off.The sanctioned parties have 10 days to request FIFA’s written reasons and may appeal the decisions.
