The Argentina Football Association (AFA) is set to pursue legal action against FIFA following significant penalties imposed on several of its players after the 2026 World Cup final. The governing body of soccer announced suspensions and fines for three Argentine players involved in a brawl that erupted after their loss to Spain.

Details of the Incident

FIFA confirmed that Nahuel Molina instigated the altercation by hitting Spain's Rodri as he rushed to celebrate with teammates. This confrontation quickly escalated, with Leandro Paredes grabbing Eric García by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground. As a result of their actions, Paredes received a 10-match ban and a fine of $90,000, while Molina was handed a seven-match suspension and the same financial penalty. Thiago Almada was given a one-match ban and fined $30,000. Additionally, Argentina's coach Roberto Ayala, who struck Dani Olmo, was banned for three matches and fined $30,000 as well.

AFA's Response

Andrés Paton Urich, the legal advisor for the AFA, criticized the sanctions as “excessive” and indicated that the association would appeal the decisions. Urich expressed disappointment with the severity of the penalties, particularly for Paredes, Molina, and Ayala, and stated, “We don’t like the sanctions; we knew there would be some, but we expected less.”

The AFA plans to compile a detailed review of video footage from the incident to present to the FIFA Appeals Committee, aiming to argue that the players' actions do not warrant such harsh suspensions. Urich referenced past incidents in international soccer, such as Luis Suárez's nine-match suspension for biting, to highlight perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary measures.

Urich confirmed that the AFA has a 10-day window to request the grounds for FIFA's decisions and will file an appeal with supporting evidence shortly thereafter. The association hopes to achieve a reduction in the suspensions for its players.