FIFA has issued significant bans to two Argentinian players following their conduct at the conclusion of the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches, and teammate Nahuel Molina has received a seven-match ban.
The sanctions stem from violent actions witnessed after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the final match last month. Investigations were launched by FIFA into the team's behavior throughout the tournament, culminating in post-game incidents. Paredes was observed grabbing an opponent by the neck and striking another player. Molina was involved in an altercation with the opposing captain. Both players have also been fined.
Additionally, Argentina's Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi will each serve one-match suspensions for their involvement in the unsportsmanlike conduct.
Beyond the individual player bans, the Argentinian Football Association has been fined and will face partial stadium closures for displaying a banner with a political message. After their semi-final victory over England, players unfurled a banner stating "The Falkland Islands are Argentine" in Spanish. As a consequence, FIFA has mandated a two-match partial stadium closure for their upcoming home games, with one of those sanctions suspended. The team has also incurred a total of £235,000 in fines, £73,000 of which is suspended. These penalties are unlikely to significantly impact the team's prize money from their runner-up finish.