According to FIFA's new decision, suspensions for members of the Argentine national team related to the incident after the 2026 World Cup final may be implemented in both level A international friendly matches, instead of just counting in official matches as initially regulated.
This is considered a significant change for Argentina, in the context that the South American team does not have to compete in the 2030 World Cup qualifiers because it is one of the host countries of the tournament.
Previously, midfielder Leandro Paredes was suspended for 10 matches and fined £66,000 for participating in a brawl after the 2026 World Cup final. Defender Nahuel Molina received a 7-match ban and a £66,000 fine. Thiago Almada was suspended for 1 match and fined £22,000, while assistant Roberto Ayala was suspended for 3 matches and fined £22,000.
These penalties only apply when the above individuals are on duty in the national team, and do not affect the competition activities at the club.
FIFA allowing suspensions to be included in friendly matches helps Argentina have more opportunities to resolve penalties in the FIFA Days at the end of this year. According to the plan, Argentina can play about 6 friendly matches in the training camps in September, October and November.
Thanks to that, the actual sentences of some players can be significantly shortened in terms of waiting time before returning to the national team. Paredes is expected to only have 4 matches of suspension left in 2027, while Molina may only have 1 match left. With Almada, this player is even capable of completing the penalty right from the end of September.
FIFA's move brings clear benefits to Argentina in the process of preparing for the 2030 World Cup. This team will have more time to test the squad, and soon bring experienced players back to professional plans.
However, AFA has not stopped at the latest decision. The Argentine Football Federation said it will continue to appeal other penalties that FIFA applies, including fines and reducing spectators at home matches.
Previously, AFA was fined £300,000 and Argentina's next two home matches were only allowed to receive a maximum of 50% of the capacity. These penalties are related to Argentine players holding banners with political messages after the 2026 World Cup semi-final match with England.
