FIFA lets Argentina serve World Cup final bans during friendly matches
FIFA approved Argentina's request to count disciplinary suspensions from the World Cup final in Class A friendly games, allowing players to begin serving their bans sooner.
Following the chaotic scenes after the World Cup final, FIFA has granted the Argentine Football Association’s appeal to let the imposed suspensions be served in Class A friendly matches. Leandro Paredes was handed a ten-match ban and a £66,500 fine for kicking at Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi, while Nahuel Molina received seven matches, Thiago Almada one match and coach Roberto Ayala three matches, each also fined. Because the original bans were limited to competitive fixtures, Argentina would have waited until the 2028 Copa América to enforce them.
The new ruling allows the penalties to be applied in upcoming friendlies, potentially enabling Almada and Ayala to return by early October and Molina to finish his remaining game in 2027. Paredes still has four matches left, likely split between March and June. In addition, the AFA must pay a £237,000 fine and host its next home match at half capacity, while it continues to pursue a reduction of the sanctions through appeals.
Why it matters
The decision lets Argentine players serve bans sooner, affecting team selection and future match availability.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Andrew Giuliani backs Gianni Infantino amid backlash over World Cup stake sale
- Aug 27 UEFA has filed a request for discovery in New York targeting FIFA, its president Gianni Infantino and venture firm Thrive Capital to obtain evidence for a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
- Aug 27 UEFA announced it is preparing criminal complaints against Infantino over the World Cup share proposal.
- Aug 28 UEFA filed a discovery request in a Florida federal court and suspended its planned boycott of FIFA tournaments.
- Aug 28 UEFA added a subpoena request for former Formula 1 chief Greg Maffei’s testimony.
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