Argentina have received a major boost after FIFA agreed to let their suspended stars serve their punishments during friendly matches.
Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada were all sanctioned following the ugly scenes that erupted after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also punished for his involvement in the post-match confrontation.
Paredes received the most severe penalty after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck before punching Gavi in the face and shoving the midfielder to the ground.
The 32-year-old was handed a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine by FIFA, equivalent to approximately £65,000.
Molina was banned for seven matches after striking Spain captain Rodri in the torso as he ran past him.
The incident prompted an angry response from the Manchester City midfielder.
Argentina have received a major boost after FIFA agreed to let their suspended stars serve their punishments during friendly matches
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Almada and Spain star Gavi were each suspended for one match, while Ayala received a three-game ban. The full list of penalties was confirmed by FIFA.
Argentina have now successfully asked world football’s governing body to permit Class A friendlies to count towards the suspensions.
The decision provides the South American nation with a route to accelerate the return of their banned players by arranging a series of non-competitive fixtures.
Argentina players angered millions around the world with their antics following July’s World Cup final defeat to Spain
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“The AFA has formally requested FIFA to allow the sanctions imposed on its players during the 2026 World Cup final, and on the association itself, to be served in Class A friendly matches and/or official matches, whichever comes first,” an Argentine Football Association statement said.
“Based on the AFA’s submission, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has deemed the request approved in accordance with current regulations.
“Nevertheless, the AFA, in defence of its rights and those of its players, is awaiting the written justification for the decisions in order to file the corresponding appeals with FIFA’s Appeals Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport potentially as the final recourse.”
Argentina are therefore still planning to challenge the punishments despite securing permission for friendlies to count.
The ruling is particularly important for Paredes, who otherwise faced a lengthy absence from international football.
Argentina are already guaranteed a place at the next World Cup as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, leaving them with limited competitive action before the 2028 Copa America.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in last month’s World Cup final with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the game
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They played four friendlies between winning the 2022 World Cup and beginning their next competitive campaign, suggesting a similar schedule could substantially reduce the bans.
Argentina were also sanctioned over several incidents during the tournament, including the display of a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their semi-final victory against England.
The banner was held by Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso, while Lionel Messi was pictured celebrating nearby.
FIFA imposed fines totalling $321,000 and ordered Argentina to play their next two home matches with the stadium capacity reduced to 50 per cent.
However, part of the punishment – including one of the two partial stadium closures and $100,000 of the financial penalty – was suspended.
