FIFA imposes sanctions on Argentine players and association

In addition to Paredes, his teammates Nahuel Molina (seven games and $90,000) and Thiago Almada (one game and $30,000) were also hit with suspensions and fines. Argentine assistant coach Roberto Ayala has to sit out three games and pay $30,000. Spaniard Gavi (one game and $30,000) was also penalized.

Penalty for the Argentine association

Argentina's football association AFA was fined an additional $321,000 in total for the violations at several matches. Of this, $100,000 will be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. In addition, only half of the maximum spectator capacity will be permitted at Argentina's next two home games. The enforcement of part of the sanction is suspended, subject to a probationary period.

The punishment against the association was based on the team's misconduct, discrimination and racist insults, the use of a sporting event for non-sporting rallies and the violation of order and security at games.

The punishments are based on a report by the appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutor on the incidents on July 19 at the World Cup final in East Rutherford. After the final whistle there were heated arguments, mainly from the Argentine side. The parties now have ten days to request justification. This would also be published if the application is approved.

Investigations also because of political messages

During Spain's scuffle, Paredes grabbed Gavi's shirt, hit him in the face with his hand and pushed him to the ground. He had previously pushed Eric Garcia. Gavi was the only Spanish player under investigation. Argentina's assistant coach Ayala violently attacked Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo, which caused widespread outrage. Olmo subsequently did not accept Ayala's apology.

Fifa's investigation also focused on banned political messages at sporting events. After the 2-1 semi-final win against England, Argentine players displayed a banner on the pitch that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentine"). They were referring to the armed conflict over the archipelago in the South Atlantic between Great Britain and Argentina in 1982.