FIFA Announces Harsh Suspensions for Argentina Players

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has imposed some of the harshest disciplinary penalties in its history on several key players of the Argentina national team. According to Kun.uz and Goal.com, the disorder and brawls following the World Cup final, which concluded last month, have proved costly for the Argentine Football Association and several players. As Goal.com reports.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was suspended for 10 matches and fined $90,000 for using excessive force against an opposing player. His teammate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and ordered to pay the same fine. Together, the two players have received a total of 17 matches in suspensions.

The Brawl and Its Consequences

According to the Daily Mail, a mass brawl broke out on the pitch after the final whistle of a tense and uncompromising final. During the match, time-wasting and rising tensions led Leandro Paredes to clash with Spain midfielder Gavi and knock him to the ground. Although doctors and substitute players intervened to calm the situation, the disorder on the pitch cast a shadow over the entire tournament.

The disorder was not limited to events on the pitch. Roberto Ayala, a member of the Argentina national team coaching staff, was also suspended for three matches and fined $30,000. Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi, who actively participated in the on-field disorder, were each handed a one-match suspension and fined $30,000.

Additional Sanctions Against the Association

In addition to the individual punishments, major financial sanctions were also imposed on the Argentine Football Association itself. The organization must pay a fine of $321,000 and hold its next two home matches in stadiums operating at just 50% capacity.

These severe team-wide sanctions are not related solely to the brawl in the final. According to FIFA's statement, racist abuse, political demonstrations and discriminatory actions by fans following the semi-final against England were also taken seriously. In particular, players were strongly condemned for displaying banners bearing political slogans after the match.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni must now make significant changes to his plans. The team will have to play important international matches without two key players and without the full support of its home crowd. This is certain to affect the South American champions' progress in the next stage.