FIFA announced on Friday that several Argentinian players have received disciplinary sanctions following physical confrontations with Spanish team members during the World Cup final. The match, held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory, which was followed by a series of on-field incidents.
Leandro Paredes, currently playing for Boca Juniors, has been issued a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine. During the altercation, Paredes was observed grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground while still holding his substitute’s bib. Gavi also received a penalty for his involvement in the fracas.
Additional disciplinary actions include
- Nahuel Molina: Seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine.
- Thiago Almada: One-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
- Argentinian Football Association (AFA): Fined $321,000 for team misconduct, discriminatory gestures by supporters, and using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations.
The AFA has confirmed it intends to appeal the suspensions and financial penalties. Furthermore, FIFA has ordered Argentina to play their next two home matches behind closed doors, though one of these matches is currently under a suspended sanction.
Context of Disciplinary Breaches
The disciplinary measures also stem from events surrounding the tournament’s semi-final, where Argentina defeated England 2-1. Following that match, several players displayed a banner reading, “The Falklands are Argentine.” This reference concerns the 1982 conflict over the British overseas territory in the southwest Atlantic, which saw Argentine forces invade the islands. The resulting 74-day war, initiated by then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, claimed the lives of 655 Argentine servicemen, 255 British personnel, and three islanders.
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Important Details
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Source: Khaleej Times
