Argentina handed big punishment after messy World Cup final scenes, with three players suspended
FIFA has handed out tough bans to three Argentina players after some heated moments during the World Cup final.
In the big game last month, Spain beat Argentina 1-0 with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in extra time. While the win was a happy day for Luis de la Fuente’s team, things got tense on the pitch as Argentina’s players showed strong emotions and got involved in some trouble.
Leandro Paredes was at the center of it all. He grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and then wrestled Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground after a brief fight. Another Argentine player, Thiago Almada, helped Paredes during the scuffle with Gavi, and both were charged by FIFA after an investigation.
Nahuel Molina also got into trouble for hitting Spain midfielder Rodri during the celebrations and was charged with two cases of assault and unsporting behavior.
FIFA has now announced the punishments: Paredes faces a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Molina got the same fine but a seven-match ban, while Almada will miss one game and pay $30,000.
On top of this, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) must play their next two home games with only half the usual crowd allowed, although one of those matches is suspended for now. The AFA also has to pay a hefty fine of $321,000 (£243,000) for breaking FIFA rules by using a sports event for political messages and unsportsmanlike conduct. This was after the Argentina players showed a banner saying “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) following their semi-final win over England.
Argentina’s tournament was full of controversy. During their last 16 match against Egypt, and again in the semi-final win over England, there were complaints about refereeing decisions going against other teams. Egypt’s players and staff felt that some calls were unfair, especially saying Lionel Messi’s goal shouldn’t have counted due to a foul before it.
Egypt winger Mostafa Ziko even said the World Cup was “rigged” in Argentina’s favor, lamenting the referee’s decisions. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, also showed his frustration with the referee after the match.
Now, the Egyptian Football Association is facing possible punishments for these comments. They issued a statement saying they respect FIFA’s rules and will support their coach, manager, and player as they respond to the charges.
This World Cup has certainly been full of drama both on and off the field!