Leandro Paredes has received a significant 10-match suspension following his involvement in a brawl at the conclusion of last month's World Cup final against Spain. Alongside Paredes, two other Argentine players have also faced disciplinary action, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined for displaying a controversial banner.

Disciplinary Actions Against Argentine Players

Paredes, a midfielder, was the most heavily penalized, receiving both a 10-match ban and a fine of $90,000 (£66,000) from FIFA's disciplinary committee. Defender Nahuel Molina has been handed a seven-match suspension and the same financial penalty. Thiago Almada, another player, has received a one-match ban along with a $30,000 fine. Additionally, Argentina's coach, Roberto Ayala, has been banned for three matches and fined $30,000. Spain's Gavi was also sanctioned with a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine for his actions during the final.

Argentina's Fine and Controversial Banner

The AFA has been fined $321,000 due to the display of a banner that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," which translates to "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian," following Argentina's semifinal victory over England. This fine also encompasses violations of FIFA's anti-discrimination regulations committed by Argentine supporters during other World Cup matches. As part of the penalties, the AFA has been ordered to host its next home match at 50% capacity, with a further match's capacity restriction suspended. FIFA has also suspended $100,000 of the total fine.

The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, have been a point of contention since Argentina's invasion in April 1982, which ended with their surrender by June of the same year. The display of the banner drew condemnation from UK politicians, including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who called for suspensions for the players involved. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle labeled the banner as "entirely inappropriate."

In a separate announcement, the AFA declared that the date of their semifinal win over England, July 15, would be recognized as "National Football Teams Day" in the future. This decision contrasts with FIFA's previous warnings regarding potential sanctions for other nations, highlighting the varying responses to different incidents.