Argentina stars slapped with massive bans after World Cup final chaos

Argentina’s World Cup heartbreak has taken another painful turn, with FIFA handing out massive suspensions and fines following ugly scenes involving players and officials after their final defeat to Spain.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes was hit with a staggering 10-match ban — effectively ruling him out of Argentina's national team for up to a year.

The punishment is among the most severe FIFA sanctions handed down in World Cup history.

Paredes was sanctioned after he allegedly grabbed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and shoved Gavi to the ground following Argentina's loss in the final.

Defender Nahuel Molina was also heavily punished with a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban.

FIFA also imposed US$90,000 in fines on both Paredes and Molina, while Almada was fined US$30,000.

Spain's Gavi was not spared, receiving a one-game ban which will see him miss Spain's Nations League clash against England at Wembley on September 26.

Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned with a three-game ban and a US$30,000 fine.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a US$110,000 fine for several incidents during the tournament, including players displaying a political banner about the Falkland Islands after their semi-final victory over England, as well as discriminatory chants from supporters.

FIFA has also ordered the AFA to spend US$100,000 on anti-racism projects.

Argentina collected US$34 million in World Cup prize money, but the AFA has indicated that it intends to fight the sanctions.

“The AFA legal department will, in a timely manner, request from FIFA the grounds for the reviewable rulings in order to file appeals with the governing body’s appeal committee, while retaining the future option of appealing to the CAS as a final recourse,” the federation said.

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