Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10‑match suspension for his role in on‑field clashes after Argentina’s 1‑0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The FIFA disciplinary committee also imposed a seven‑match ban on teammate Nahuel Molina.
Argentina have been ordered to play their next two home matches at 50 % stadium capacity, with one of those fixtures suspended under the sanction.
The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary code, including using a sporting event for non‑sporting demonstrations, team misconduct and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters.
FIFA has directed that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine be invested in a plan to combat discrimination, while another $100,000 (£73,000) is suspended pending a probationary period.
After defeating England 2‑1 in the World Cup semi‑final, several Argentine players displayed a banner asserting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.
FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last month to assess events that unfolded after the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentine players and back‑room staff engaged in altercations with Spanish players.
In addition to their suspensions, Paredes and Molina will each pay a fine of $90,000 (£66,000).
Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the ground and appeared to strike the latter in the face.
Gavi, who said he did not think Paredes should be punished, will serve a one‑match suspension and pay a $30,000 (£22,000) fine for his role in the post‑match confrontations, as will Argentina’s Thiago Almada.
Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, received a three‑match suspension and a $30,000 fine for striking Spain’s Dani Olmo in the face.
The match suspensions will apply only to international fixtures.
The AFA announced it will appeal the sanctions and, if unsuccessful, will pursue the case through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)