Leandro Paredes given 10-match FIFA ban after World Cup final clashes

Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 international matches and fined $90,000 (£69,000) by FIFA for his role in the post-match disturbances after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.

The Argentina midfielder was punished after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Gavi to the ground while holding the bib of a substitute. The incidents contributed to a series of confrontations on the pitch following Spain’s 1-0 victory at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Paredes received the most severe sanction issued by football’s world governing body in connection with the disorder. His fine is equivalent to about R1.62m.

Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven matches and fined the same amount as Paredes. Thiago Almada was given a one-match suspension and ordered to pay $30,000 (about R540,000).

Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, received a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Spain forward Gavi was also sanctioned for his involvement in the confrontation. He will miss one international match and must pay a $30,000 fine.

Argentina’s football association has also been ordered to stage its next two home fixtures at grounds operating at 50% capacity. However, one of those matches is subject to a suspended sanction.

The AFA was fined a further $321,000 (about R5.78m) for several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary code. Those included using a sporting event to make demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters.

The disciplinary case followed a final in which Argentina, the holders, were beaten by a Ferran Torres goal in extra time.

FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents after the final whistle.

The governing body’s wider investigation also considered an incident after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England. Several Argentina players displayed a banner reading: “The Falklands are Argentine”.

Argentine forces invaded the British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic in 1982. Then-British prime minister Margaret Thatcher responded by sending a naval task force to retake the islands.

The conflict lasted 74 days, from April to June 1982, and resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine servicemen and 255 British servicemen. Three islanders were also killed.

The AFA said it would appeal the suspensions and financial penalties. In a statement, it said it would “request from FIFA the grounds for the rulings that are subject to review in order to file appeals before the Appeals Committee”.