Almost a month after the clashes that took place during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, FIFA has made the disciplinary sanctions against the players involved official. The most severe suspension was given to Leandro Paredes, who was banned for ten matches, while Nahuel Molina was given a seven-match suspension. Thiago Almada will have to serve two matches, while one match was given to Spaniard Gavi. All suspensions will be served with their respective national teams and therefore will not have consequences in the matches that the players play with their clubs.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee made the decision after examining reports relating to the incidents that occurred immediately after the final whistle of the match between Argentina and Spain. The proceedings were officially opened on 29 July, following the collection of disciplinary documentation, and concluded with the sanctions announced today. Argentina will then have to pay a fine of more than 300,000 euros for breaching articles 13, 14, 15 and 17 of the Disciplinary Code.
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What happened at the end of Argentina-Spain
The suspensions came after the brawl that broke out at the end of the World Cup final, won by Spain. The situation became tense after a violent clash between Molina and Rodri: the Argentine had kicked the Spanish midfielder who was celebrating the victory and at that moment everything degenerated. Paredes had come running, kicked Eric Galcian and grabbed him by the throat, violent actions that earned him a red card after the end of the match. At that point, Gavi had defended his compatriot, but he too was knocked to the ground by the former Roma player, who was stopped with difficulty by Thiago Almada.
Paredes suffered the worst of it with a red card and his violent conduct was met with a ten-match ban, a heavy sanction for Argentina, who are losing one of their key midfielders. Scaloni's national team will have to do without Molina, who was banned for seven matches for causing the brawl, and Almada for two matches. FIFA, meanwhile, decided to suspend Gavi for one match, the only Spain player to be sanctioned.
