The post-whistle chaos that blew up after Argentina’s World Cup Final loss to Spain this summer just got a major reckoning from FIFA, and let me tell you, it’s brutal. Multiple players and an official are facing suspensions, with Argentina’s FA getting slammed with a massive fine and attendance ban. This whole thing exploded right after the final whistle, turning a championship moment into a total mess.
Paredes Gets Hammered With a Ten-Match Ban
Alright, so you remember that insane scene after the final whistle in New Jersey? Leandro Paredes went absolutely wild, grabbing Eric Garcia’s throat and tossing Spain’s Gavi to the ground. FIFA charged Paredes with assault, and he’s gonna pay for it big time: a staggering ten-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. Ouch! His teammate Nahuel Molina isn’t far behind, missing seven games and facing the same $90,000 hit. Argentina team official Roberto Ayala also got hit with a three-game suspension for his part in the fracas.
Argentina’s FA Hit With Half-Stadium Ban and Massive Fine
Spain’s Gavi is also sidelined for a game, along with Argentina’s Thiago Almada, with both getting a $30,000 fine each. But the pain doesn’t stop with the individuals. FIFA didn’t just go after the players, they dropped a heavy hand on the Argentine FA too. They’ve been hit with a 50% attendance ban for their next two men’s home games and a massive $321,000 fine. That’s a huge financial blow! The reasons are tough too, citing “breaches of articles 13 paragraph 2 c) (Using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature), 14 paragraph 5 (Team misconduct), 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) in light of discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters, and 17 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).”
So, Argentina’s looking at some serious challenges ahead without key players for a chunk of their upcoming schedule, and a hefty bill to boot. Spain’s Gavi misses one, but Argentina really feels the brunt of this. It’s a stark reminder that actions after the whistle can hurt just as much as missing a penalty.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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