Argentina star handed 10-match ban for attacking Spain player after World Cup final

Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes attacked Spain midfielder Gavi after Argentina’s defeat (EPA)

Leandro Paredes has been handed a ten-match ban as several Argentina players were punished for their role in the disgraceful brawl following the World Cup 2026 final against Spain.

The Argentina midfielder was seen grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Barcelona’s Gavi to the ground.

In separate incidents, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Spain captain Rodri as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, while assistant coach Ayala was captured punching Dani Olmo in the face after a brief verbal spat.

Molina has been dealt a seven-match ban, while Ayala has been suspended for three matches. Gavi, who was involved in the incident with Molina and Paredes, has also been hit with a one-match suspension.

In a statement, FIFA said: ‘Following the submission of the report by the appointed Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor on the incidents that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina played at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the sanctions detailed below.

‘In line with article 69 paragraphs 2 a) and 3 of the FDC, the match suspensions are carried over to the next matches of the relevant representative teams.’

An ugly brawl broke out following the World Cup final (Picture: Shutterstock)

Paredes was dealt the most severe ban (Picture: Getty)

Gavi will miss Spain’s Nations League match against England next month, having previously pleaded for FIFA not to suspend Paredes for throwing him to the ground.

‘I don’t think (Paredes) should be suspended. I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive,’ he told El Partidazo de COPE.

‘The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way.’

Argentina players held up a controversial banner after their win against England (Picture: Shutterstock)

In addition, FIFA’s has also fined Argentina $321,000 for various breaches of their disciplinary code and ruled that they must play their next two home matches at 50 per cent capacity.

Part of that fine relates to a banner unfurled after their victory over England that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, referring to their country’s long-held claim to the Falkland Islands.