FIFA has come down hard on Argentina following a series of controversial incidents surrounding their World Cup campaign, handing out lengthy suspensions and a six-figure fine.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been hit with a 10-match ban for his role in the ugly scenes that followed the World Cup final defeat to Spain in New York/New Jersey.
Paredes was sent off during the post-match chaos after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing substitute Gavi to the ground. His Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina has received a seven-game suspension after becoming involved in the confrontation and attempting to knock Spain captain Rodri over as he ran past.
Thiago Almada has been suspended for one match, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has also received a one-game ban after appearing to attempt to punch Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. Gavi, who was involved in the confrontation, has also been given a one-match suspension.
The disciplinary action comes after a fiercely contested final in which tempers boiled over, with Argentina also losing Enzo Fernandez to a red card during the match.
But FIFA’s punishment does not stop there.
Argentina have also been fined £235,647 ($321,000) over a political banner displayed by their players after their 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.
The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” “The Falklands are Argentine” referring to the Falkland Islands, a self-governing British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic.
The banner was placed on the pitch in front of the Argentina supporters and remained there for several minutes as the players celebrated their victory before being removed by a member of the backroom staff.
FIFA regulations prohibit political messaging at matches, and the fine also relates to discrimination and racist abuse by Argentina supporters.
Of the $321,000 penalty, $100,000 must be directed towards anti-discrimination campaigns, while a further $100,000 has been suspended.
Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with stadium capacity limited to 50 per cent.
With Argentina earning $34 million in World Cup prize money, FIFA’s disciplinary action has ensured that their turbulent tournament will carry a high cost long after the final whistle.
Tags:
The author has graduated in Linguistics and Literature from NUML and has a vast experience in Journalism. A dedicated individual who possesses a deep passion for sports and politics. Catch him on X at @yforyashal
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.