Argentina has successfully petitioned FIFA to allow international friendly matches to count towards player suspensions stemming from a brawl that occurred after the World Cup final against Spain. This decision could significantly shorten the time banned players must sit out.
Three Argentine players and assistant coach Roberto Ayala received sanctions last week following their involvement in unsportsmanlike conduct after their 1-0 final defeat. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe penalty, a 10-match ban and a £65,000 fine, for actions including grabbing an opponent by the neck and striking another player.
Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban for hitting an opponent, while Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi received one-match suspensions for their roles in the altercation. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) formally requested FIFA to permit these sanctions to be served during Class A friendly matches and/or official matches.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee approved the request, citing current regulations. The AFA has stated it will await the written justification for the decisions to potentially file appeals with FIFA's Appeals Committee and, possibly, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
This ruling could enable Argentina to schedule multiple friendly matches during upcoming international breaks, allowing the suspended players to return to competitive fixtures sooner. Argentina, as co-hosts, are already assured of qualification for the next World Cup, meaning their next competitive matches might not be until the Copa America in 2028.
In separate disciplinary actions, Argentina also faced sanctions related to a banner displaying a political message about the Falkland Islands after their semi-final victory over England. FIFA imposed a two-match partial stadium closure, with one match suspended, and fines totaling £235,000, of which £73,000 was suspended. The banner read 'The Falkland Islands are Argentine' in Spanish.