Argentina Players, Staffers Banned a Combined 21 Games for Ugly World Cup Final Brawl After Loss to Spain

FIFA has handed down a punishment for a fight that occurred between Spain and Argentina following the World Cup final in July

Argentina players and staff were banned for a combined 21 games

One Spanish player, Pablo Martín Páez “Gavi” Gavira, received a one-game ban

FIFA has handed down a punishment following the wild brawl that erupted between Argentina and Spain at last month’s World Cup final.

The football governing body confirmed on Friday, Aug. 21 that several Argentina players and staff have been banned a total of 21 combined games following the altercation after the game on Sunday, July 19.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was given a 10-match ban for his role in the fight, when he clashed with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Pablo Martín Páez “Gavi” Gavira.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games for appearing to try to hit Spain captain Rodri. 

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Both Paredes and Molina were fined $90,000.

World Cup final
Credit: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty; BBC

Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Gavi were given a one-match ban for unsporting behavior, while team official Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension for one count of assault.

All three were assessed a $30,000 fine.

Gavi is the only Spanish player or staff member to receive a ban.

The sanctions followed a FIFA investigation into the brawl, which came after Spain beat the defending World Cup champs, 1-0, in East Rutherford, N.J.

The hard-fought game, in which Argentina had zero shots on goal, had only one score, in the 106th minute, with Spain’s Ferran Torres nailing the championship-winning goal. 

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