Paredes’ 10-Match Ban Upheld as FIFA Reduces Molina’s Suspension
Published : 11:48, 7 November 2026
Three Argentine players faced major sanctions after being involved in a confrontation following their defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. FIFA has reduced the penalties for two of them following an appeal, but Leandro Paredes’ 10-match suspension remains unchanged.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said FIFA’s Appeal Committee had reduced Molina’s suspension. He was initially handed a seven-match ban, which has now been cut to four matches. His fine has also been reduced from $90,000 to $60,000. Molina had punched Spanish midfielder Rodri during Spain’s title celebrations after the final.
However, the punishment imposed on midfielder Leandro Paredes, who currently plays for Argentine club Boca Juniors, has not been reduced. During Spain’s celebrations, Paredes allegedly shoved and struck Eric Garcia and was also involved in a confrontation with Gavi. FIFA has upheld his 10-match suspension and $90,000 fine.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has also upheld the $321,000 fine imposed on the AFA over discriminatory chants.
The AFA has announced that it will appeal both Paredes’ suspension and the fine over the discriminatory chants before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The association said it would seek detailed explanations of the decisions before filing its appeal. It maintains that there are sufficient factual and legal grounds to challenge the rulings.
Earlier, FIFA had imposed a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine on Thiago Almada. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for punching Dani Olmo. The suspensions of both Almada and Ayala were served during the previous international break.
Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina will play two matches during this month’s FIFA international window. In their first match since Lionel Messi’s retirement, they will face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13. The Albiceleste will then take on Costa Rica in Cordoba on November 17.
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