[Official] 'Suspension of up to 10 matches' confirmed: FIFA imposes severe sanctions on World Cup final fistfight scandal

*This content was translated by AI.

FIFA has finalized the level of disciplinary action regarding the fistfight and other brawling incidents that occurred after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup final last month.

On the 21st (Korea time), FIFA announced confirmed sanctions against players, officials, and football associations referred to its disciplinary committee due to various incidents during the North American World Cup.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a suspension of up to 10 matches and a fine of $90,000 (approximately 130 million won) on Argentina national team player Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), who committed violent acts such as punching an opponent's neck or pushing their face immediately after the tournament final between Spain and Argentina held at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA, on the 20th of last month.

Additionally, Argentina national team player Nahuel Molina (AS Roma), who threw a punch at an opposing player rushing onto the field to celebrate the victory, was sentenced to a seven-match suspension and fined $90,000. Argentina's Thiago Almada (River Plate) and Spain's Gavi (Barcelona), who were involved in the collision, each received a one-match suspension and a fine of $30,000 (approximately 450 million won). Meanwhile, Argentina national team coach Roberto Ayala was confirmed to receive a three-match suspension and a fine of $30,000.

All players and officials who received suspensions and fines today, except for Gavi, are members of the Argentina national team. The suspension sanctions will apply starting from the next match of their respective national teams.

Furthermore, FIFA imposed a fine of $321,000 (approximately 450 million won) and a sanction restricting attendance to 50% for the next two matches on the Argentine Football Association for violations including protests unrelated to sports, inappropriate team conduct, racist insults by supporters, and breaches of match order and safety. However, it was decided to suspend the enforcement of the spectator restriction for one of the two matches and a fine of $100,000.

FIFA added, "We have notified the concerned parties of the disciplinary committee's decision, and they may request a written ruling specifying the reasons within 10 days. Once received, the ruling will be published on FIFA's legal website. Appeals are possible in accordance with Article 61 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.