Argentina fined and players banned by Fifa over Falklands banner and final brawl

Argentina’s next two home games will also have to be played in front of a 50% capacity crowd.

The AFA has been fined after Argentina players paraded around a banner referencing the Falkland Islands after beating England in the Fifa World Cup semi-finals. Photo / AFP

Three Argentina players and one coach have been slapped with bans after their actions in the World Cup final where they could be seen having a physical altercation with members of the Spanish team.

Leandro Paredes, who was seen grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground, is banned for 10 international matches and fined US$90,000, while his teammate Nahuel Molina will have to pay the same fine but is banned for only seven games.

Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 international matches for his actions after the Fifa World Cup final finished. Photo / Getty Images

Forward Thiago Almada was the third player for Argentina to face sanctions with a one-match ban and a US$30,000 fine.

Roberto Ayala, who is part of the coaching team, has been banned for three matches and also fined US$30,000.

The AFA said it would be appealing all suspensions and fines.

Lionel Messi and Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 Fifa World Cup final. Photo / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi has been hit with a one-match ban and a US$30,000 fine for his part in the fracas.

The ugly scenes followed Spain’s extra-time victory over Argentina, which prevented the South Americans from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

Spain secured their second World Cup trophy through a 106th minute Ferran Torres goal and conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament.