FIFA Slaps Paredes with 10-Game Ban Following World Cup Final Controversy

Argentina's Leandro Paredes faces a hefty 10-match suspension after being involved in post-match clashes following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. His teammate, Nahuel Molina, has received a seven-match ban, as FIFA's disciplinary committee reacts strongly to the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.

Alongside these penalties, Argentina must play their next two home matches with only half-capacity crowds, with one of those matches subject to suspension. The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has also been fined $321,000 for various breaches, including using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations and misconduct from its supporters.

Part of the fine mandates a $100,000 investment in an anti-discrimination initiative. Both Paredes and Molina will incur an additional fine of $90,000, while Spain's Gavi and Argentina's Thiago Almada face one-match suspensions and fines for their roles in the altercations. The match bans will only apply to international fixtures, highlighting FIFA's discontent with the conduct overshadowing a globally watched event.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk