Argentina Challenges FIFA Disciplinary Punishments Over World Cup Final Clashes

Argentina’s football governing body has taken its dispute with FIFA over disciplinary sanctions arising from the World Cup final to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Saturday that it had filed an appeal challenging penalties imposed following confrontations between players after Argentina’s final against Spain.

Leandro Paredes emerged as the most heavily sanctioned player, receiving a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine over his role in the incidents.

The midfielder was involved in clashes with Spanish players, during which he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Gavi to the ground while carrying his substitute’s bib.

The confrontation intensified after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final played at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 19.

FIFA also imposed a $321,000 fine on the AFA for violations of its disciplinary code. The offences included non-sporting demonstrations during a sporting event, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters.

Apart from Paredes, sanctions were also imposed on Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Roberto Ayala, who is part of Argentina’s coaching team.

According to a statement released by the AFA, FIFA’s appeals committee rejected the association’s challenge against the penalties imposed on both the governing body and Paredes.

Nevertheless, the appeals process resulted in a reduction of Molina’s punishment. His original seven-match suspension and $90,000 fine were lowered to a four-match ban and a $60,000 financial penalty.

Despite the partial adjustment, the AFA said it would continue its legal challenge by taking its appeals against the association’s fine and Paredes’s suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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