FIFA Fines Argentina $321,000, Hands Paredes 10-Match Ban Over World Cup Final Breaches

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£238,000) by FIFA for disciplinary breaches arising from the World Cup final, with midfielder Leandro Paredes handed a 10-match suspension.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with 50 per cent of the available spectator capacity as part of the sanctions.

The governing body said $100,000 of the fine must be invested in a programme aimed at combating discrimination, while part of the punishment has been suspended.

Under the ruling, one of the two home-match sanctions and $100,000 of the fine are suspended for a probationary period.

Paredes was handed the heaviest individual punishment, receiving a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine.

Other Argentina players and officials were also sanctioned.

Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Argentina team official Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000, while Pablo Martín Páez Gavira received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.

The sanctions follow disciplinary breaches recorded during the World Cup final, with FIFA moving to punish both the AFA and individuals involved.

The financial penalty, reduced stadium capacity and lengthy player suspensions represent a significant blow to the world champions as they prepare for their next international fixtures.

FIFA said the measures were part of its disciplinary response, with the allocation of a portion of the fine towards anti-discrimination efforts intended to reinforce its commitment to tackling discriminatory behaviour in football.