The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed on Friday a sanction of ten matches and 78,000 euros on midfielder Leandro Paredes for the violent incidents he protagonized in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, according to what El PAÍS has learned and reported. For the same reason, the Argentinians Nahuel Molina, seven matches and 78,000 euros, Thiago Almada, one match and 27,000 euros, and the assistant coach of the Albiceleste, Roberto Ayala, three matches and 27,000 euros, have also been sanctioned. Meanwhile, the Spaniard Gavi has also received a punishment of one match and 27,000 euros.
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The disciplinary body of the highest world football organization has also imposed a heavy financial penalty on the Argentine Football Association (AFA), about 250,000 euros, for the banner displayed by several Argentine players at the end of the semifinals against England, which read the claim “Argentine Malvinas.” Other sections, 5 (improper conduct of a team), of article 15 (Discrimination and racist aggression), due to the discriminatory chants and gestures of their fans, and article 17 (Order and security in matches) have cost the AFA another 60,000 euros.
Additionally, given the provisions associated with the breach of article 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the AFA has been ordered to play the next two home matches with spectator restrictions (50%).
The sanctions will be served with the national teams and will not affect the performance of the punished players in their clubs. Following the incidents, the appointed prosecutor opened a disciplinary file that has resulted in the aforementioned sanctions against Paredes (three charges) for violations of article 14, section 1, letter i), of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (assault), Nahuel Molina (two charges, one consummated and one attempted), as well as against Ayala (one charge). The disciplinary procedure also included violations of article 14, section 1, letter b), (unsportsmanlike conduct) against Molina (one charge) and Thiago Almada (one charge), as well as against Gavi (one charge). The sanctions can be appealed before the FIFA Appeals Committee and then before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (CAS).
The unsportsmanlike behavior of the sanctioned Argentinians in the most important football match held every four years damaged the great football celebration. The images of the thug-like attitude of Paredes, Molina, Almada, and Ayala stained Spain’s celebration before and during the Jules Rimet cup presentation and went around the world. The reprehensible events began with Ferran’s goal that gave Spain the title and the final whistle. It was then that the brawl broke out in which Nahuel Molina hit Rodri in the chest while the Spanish captain ran to celebrate the victory with his teammates. When the midfielder turned around and approached to ask the reason for his punch, Molina confronted him and they both pushed each other. Eric saw it and quickly went towards the Argentine.
The fight was aggravated by Paredes, who confronted Eric, first pushing him to the ground and grabbing him by the neck, pushing him backward. Gavi, who was still wearing the warm-up bib, saw the scene, ran, and threw himself on the Boca Juniors midfielder to defend his teammate and national team member, but Paredes responded by throwing the Barcelona player to the ground with Almada’s help. A shameful spectacle that has resulted in the harsh sanctions against Argentina.
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