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FIFA bans three Argentina players, fines $300,000 total

8/22/2026

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Summary

FIFA Bans Argentina

FIFA banned three Argentina players after the final, imposing 10-, seven- and one-match suspensions and $90,000, $90,000 and $30,000 fines.
Coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 and must allocate $100,000 to anti-racism projects.
FIFA ordered Argentina’s next home match to be played at 50% stadium capacity.

Summary

Davey Condemns

Ed Davey, UK Liberal Democrat leader, condemned the Falklands banner and urged player suspensions.
UEFA previously banned Spain's Rodri and Álvaro Morata for a Gibraltar chant, establishing a political sanction precedent.
Gavi will miss Spain's Nations League match against England in September because of a one-match ban.
Gavi appealed for leniency, arguing Paredes' aggression reflects football’s physical nature.

History

Historical Context

In 1976 FIFA expelled South Africa over its apartheid policies, a ban that lasted 16 years until the multi-racial SAFA rejoined in 1992, and missed World Cup qualifiers during that period. The episode set a precedent for the governing body’s use of sanctions, a pattern echoed in later disciplinary actions that target racism and rule violations.

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FIFA Bans Argentina

FIFA banned three Argentina players after the final, imposing 10-, seven- and one-match suspensions and $90,000, $90,000 and $30,000 fines.
Coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 and must allocate $100,000 to anti-racism projects.
FIFA ordered Argentina’s next home match to be played at 50% stadium capacity.

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