FIFA have slapped three Argentina players with hefty bans following the ugly scenes that erupted during the World Cup final.
In world football’s biggest game last month, Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina with Ferran Torres scoring an extra-time winner.
A joyous occasion for Luis de la Fuente’s men was soured by the actions of La Albiceleste, who let their emotions spill onto the pitch, with several of their players at the centre of controversy.
Leandro Paredes was the main culprit after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, before wrestling La Roja midfielder Gavi to the ground after a brief tussle.
Argentine teammate Thiago Almada assisted Paredes in the incident involving Gavi, and the pair were charged by FIFA following a disciplinary investigation.
Nahuel Molina was also charged with two accounts of assault – one completed, one suspended – and a charge of unsporting behaviour, after striking Spain midfielder Rodri during the celebrations.
FIFA have since confirmed their punishments for the three players involved in the brawl.
Paredes who already considered retiring after the World Cup has been slapped with a 10-match ban and a fine of $90,000.
Molina has been given the same fine, but a seven-match suspension, while Almada will serve a one-game ban and a fine of $30,000.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity, though one match of that sanction is suspended.
To make matters worse, the AFA were slapped with a $321,000 (£243,000) fine for breaking the FIFA disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants.
