FIFA quietly approves Argentina request to soften bans after World Cup shame

Aug 28, 2026 - 12:00

FIFA has approved the Argentine Football Association (AFA) request to modify the sanctions handed down for the post-World Cup final chaos.

Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada were all handed suspensions for their roles in the ugly post-match scenes with Spain’s players at the World Cup final in July.

Argentina player Leandro Parades pushes Spain player Gavi - wearing a light blue substitute's bib - to the ground amid altercations on the pitch following the 2026 World Cup final. — Leandro Paredes pushed Spain’s Gavi and Eric Garcia and appeared to throw a punch in wild scenes following the World Cup final

Paredes was slapped with a ten-match ban and fined $90,000 for his actions, which saw him throw punches and attack opposition players.

Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000, while Almada received a one-match ban and fined $30,000.

Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was also hit with a three-match suspension and a fine of $30,000.

All four were involved in the mass brawl after full-time at the MetLife Stadium, with Paredes found guilty of three counts of ‘assault’ after punching Spain’s Gavi and showing him to the ground.

Handed a reprieve?

Argentina’s players had been staring at lengthy spells away from international football, with Paredes set for over a year out of action.

However, FIFA has now approved the Argentine FA’s request to allow the bans to be served in Class A friendlies – as well as official games.

According to an AFA statement, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee determined that the request complies with the current regulations and approved it.

The Argentine federation had formally asked for friendly and official matches to count toward the suspensions, taking into account the national team’s upcoming schedule.

This means Argentina’s players can serve their suspensions in significantly less time, especially Paredes.

The Boca Juniors midfielder is now likely to complete the majority of his ten-game ban before the end of 2026 in a major boost.

Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain players after the World Cup final — Argentina were heavily punished for the brawl that broke out on the pitch after the World Cup final

Leandro Paredes in the 2026 World Cup final — But a reduction to their initial sanctions could now see Leandro Paredes return earlier than first expected

Argentina have not confirmed their fixture schedule but have already booked their spot at the 2030 World Cup as co-hosts and therefore do not need to go through qualifying.

The next Copa America, meanwhile, is not until 2028, but there is no qualification for South American teams to play.

But with Argentina’s suspended quartet now able to serve their bans in friendlies, they could well look to schedule in a number of fixtures as soon as possible.

It might not be long before this happens, with two upcoming international breaks in autumn.

The first of the two – across September and October – is the longest, where teams can squeeze in four matches.

Then in November, there will be further opportunity to arrange fixtures with a regular two-game break.

Lionel Messi at the World Cup final — It remains unclear if Lionel Messi will feature when Argentina next play

Should Argentina arrange six Class A friendlies during this time, Paredes will have only four more games to serve going into 2027 and Molina one, while Almada could play again from the end of September.

At present, Argentina have not announced any international games scheduled for the rest of the year.

Argentina announce further plans to appeal

While Argentina have been handed a major boost with FIFA’s latest decision, they are still hoping for further reductions to their bans.

On top of suspension, they were also hit with a £237,000 fine and must play their next home match with a 50 per cent capacity for other violations during this summer’s World Cup.

That includes their players holding up a banner on the pitch with a political message regarding the Falkland Islands.

This breached Article 12 of the Disciplinary Code, which relates to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.

Argentina players hold up a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after beating England — Argentina’s players displayed a banner which read ‘The Falklands are Argentina’s’ following their World Cup semi-final victory over England

However, in a statement released on Thursday, the Argentine FA declared their intention to appeal this move.

The AFA wrote: “The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has formally requested FIFA to allow the sanctions imposed on its players during the 2026 World Cup final, and on the association itself, to be served in Class A friendly matches and/or official matches, whichever comes first.

“Based on the AFA’s submission, Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee has deemed the request approved in accordance with current regulations.

“Nevertheless, the AFA, in defense of its rights and those of its players, is awaiting the written justification for the decisions in order to file the corresponding appeals with FIFA’s Appeals Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) potentially as the final recourse.”