Gavi urges FIFA not to ban Paredes after World Cup final flashpoint

Spain midfielder Gavi has called on FIFA not to hand Argentina’s Leandro Paredes a ban over their post-match confrontation in the 2026 World Cup final, even as world football’s governing body opens a formal disciplinary investigation.

The 19-year-old, who played the full match as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in New York to lift their second World Cup, said he did not believe further sanctions were necessary despite the incident drawing global attention.

US broadcaster Fox Sports reported that FIFA has launched an inquiry into Argentina pair Paredes and Nahuel Molina following the clash that erupted after the final whistle.

‘I don’t think he should be suspended’

Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE, Gavi was clear in his defence of the Argentina midfielder.

He said: “لا اعتقد انه يجب ايقاف باريديس”.

Gavi acknowledged that the images broadcast worldwide were not ideal, particularly for younger viewers, but argued that football has an inherently physical and emotional side that should not be ignored.

He added: “اتفهم انها ليست صورة جيدة للاطفال، لكنني اعتقد ان هناك ايضا هذا الجانب في كرة القدم، وهو جانب اكثر بدنية وعدوانية”.

For Gavi, any punishment should have been restricted to the 90 minutes rather than extended into a post-tournament suspension.

He concluded: “كان من المنطقي طرده اثناء المباراة وانتهى الامر. في النهاية، اعتقد ان الامر كله يتعلق بكرة القدم، ويجب ان يكون كذلك”.

FIFA appoints prosecutor for Argentina probe

FIFA has appointed a special prosecutor to lead the investigation into the conduct of Argentina’s players at the end of the final.

The case centres on alleged breaches of the organisation’s disciplinary code, after tempers flared once the match had finished and emotions boiled over between members of both teams.

If found guilty of violations, Paredes, Molina and possibly other Argentina players could face suspensions, fines or both. The timing of any potential ban could affect upcoming international fixtures as Argentina begin their next competitive cycle following the tournament.

The governing body has not yet issued a public statement detailing specific charges, but the decision to appoint a prosecutor indicates the matter is being treated seriously within FIFA’s disciplinary framework.

Ayala apologises to Olmo

The fallout from the ill-tempered finale has already prompted one public apology from within the Argentina camp.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala has expressed regret to Spain midfielder Dani Olmo over his own behaviour after the final whistle. Details of the exchange have not been fully disclosed, but the apology underscores the level of tension that marked the closing moments of the showpiece.

Ayala’s gesture is understood to be an attempt to cool relations between the two camps amid heightened scrutiny of Argentina’s conduct.

Spain crowned world champions again

On the pitch, Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina delivered a historic second World Cup title, adding the 2026 trophy to their maiden triumph in 2010.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the final, securing Spain’s win and denying Lionel Messi’s Argentina a successful defence of their 2022 crown.

The result capped a remarkable tournament for Spain, whose blend of youth and experience carried them through to the final and ultimately to world champion status once again.

Yet, in the days after the match, attention has drifted from Spain’s achievement to the post-game controversy surrounding Argentina, leaving FIFA to balance its disciplinary responsibilities with the inherently charged nature of football’s biggest stage.