Friday, August 21, 2026

FIFA hands Paredes 10-match ban, $90,000 fine over World Cup final clash with Spain players 

Teammate Nahuel Molina was also fined the same amount and handed a seven-match suspension.

• August 21, 2026
Paredes attacking Spanish players after the World Cup final match 
Paredes attacking Spanish players after the World Cup final match  [Credit: AP]

Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes is among three Argentina players banned and fined by FIFA for their roles in a scuffle during their 2026 FIFA World Cup final match in July against eventual winners Spain.

Paredes was handed a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine for grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing another opponent, Gavi, to the ground after the final whistle.

His ban from the Argentine team may last for one year, as, according to the FIFA calendar, the national team schedule includes 10 games through June 2027, while Argentina has yet to schedule any friendly or competitive games during the period.

Teammate Nahuel Molina was also fined the same amount and handed a seven-match suspension. Another teammate, Thiago Almada, will serve a one-match ban and pay a $30,000 fine, while one of the coaches, Roberto Ayala, was banned for three matches and fined the same amount.

Furthermore, the Argentine Football Association was fined $321,000 over the display of a banner that read, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” which translates as “the Falkland Islands are Argentinian”, after their team’s semi-final win over England.

The fine was also for their teams’ fans’ violation of FIFA’s anti-discrimination regulations earlier at the tournament. FIFA has ordered the team to play their next home match at 50 per cent capacity, with a 50 per cent capacity restriction at a further match suspended, adding that $100,000 of the fine was also suspended.

Meanwhile, FIFA also fined Spain’s Gavi $30,000 and handed him a one-match ban, which he will serve during his country’s Nations League match against England on September 26.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Ebola Patients

Africa

DR Congo’s Ebola death toll hits 2,500

He projected that the existing funds will be exhausted in weeks.

Troops

States

Troops rescue 43-year-old kidnap victim in Kaduna, kill terrorist in Sokoto 

The spokesperson said that troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw in disarray.

Usain Bolt

Sport

Usain Bolt registers to play for Manchester Sunday league team

The 40-year-old Manchester United fan registered as a player for Wythenshawe Vets FC. 

WASSCE digital certificates

Education

WAEC announces release of 2026 WASSCE digital certificates

The examination body asked candidates to log on to waec.org to access their certificates. 

Scene of the incident 

World

Russia’s drone attack kills five, injures 52 in Ukraine

Mr Zelenskyy stated that all the injured victims were receiving the necessary medical care.