FIFA reduces Nahuel Molina ban but upholds Leandro Paredes punishment

FIFA’s Appeals Committee has partially upheld an appeal by the Argentine Football Association against sanctions imposed on members of Argentina’s squad following events at the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

Nahuel Molina has had his suspension reduced from seven matches to four, while his fine has been cut from $90,000 to $60,000. However, the punishment handed to midfielder Leandro Paredes remains unchanged, with the player still banned for 10 matches and fined $90,000.

The decision was reported by Spanish newspaper Marca. Molina, described in the report as a former Atletico de Madrid player, was among those sanctioned after incidents connected with the final.

The Argentine Football Association said in an official statement that it would request the full reasons for the decisions before taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

It said it had “sufficient arguments, both factual and legal”, to seek a review of the sanctions.

Disciplinary action over discriminatory chants

The original appeal was submitted against penalties imposed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee over discriminatory chants during Argentina matches at the World Cup. Those incidents included the final against Spain in July, which Spain won 1-0 to claim the title.

FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000 and also imposed restrictions on the number of supporters allowed to attend Argentina matches. The sanctions were issued under several articles of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations and related to incidents during Argentina’s games against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England and Spain.

The earlier measures also included a one-match suspension for Thiago Almada and a three-match ban for Roberto Ayala, a member of the coaching staff.

In August, FIFA accepted a request from the Argentine Football Association to have the players’ suspensions served during either friendly or competitive matches played by the national team under the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), “whichever comes first”.

Argentina’s decision to challenge the latest ruling comes as CAS is also considering a separate dispute involving another international final.

The court is reviewing the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. Its final decision is expected by the end of November.