Gavi believes Paredes should not face suspension after World Cup final confrontation
22.07.2026
Post-Match Confrontation Under Scrutiny
Following the World Cup final, a confrontation involving several players and staff from Argentina and Spain has led to a disciplinary review by FIFA. The incident occurred on the pitch as Spain celebrated their 1-0 victory. Among those involved were Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, alongside assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Spain’s Gavi, an unused substitute in the final, has expressed his view that Paredes should not be suspended for his role in the events.
During the fracas, Paredes reportedly pushed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Gavi attempted to intervene but was subsequently pushed to the ground by Almada, with Paredes also placing a hand in the Spanish midfielder’s face. Despite initial reports from FIFA’s commentator information system indicating a red card for Paredes, this dismissal was later deleted, and FIFA has confirmed that no disciplinary action was taken at the time of the match.
Gavi, speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, stated, “I don’t think [Paredes] should be suspended.” He acknowledged that the incident might not present a positive image for younger audiences but suggested that a certain level of physicality and aggression is inherent to football. Gavi added that the most logical course of action would have been a sending-off during the match itself, implying that further retrospective punishment might be unnecessary.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Review Continues
FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to thoroughly assess the events that transpired. This review could potentially result in suspensions for any players or coaches found to be involved, and the Argentine Football Association could also face a fine. While Paredes was initially shown a red card by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic after the final whistle, this was later omitted from the referee’s official report to FIFA, meaning no automatic suspension was applied.
Although Paredes is currently free from an automatic ban, the case remains open. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is actively investigating the incidents. The review includes actions by Nahuel Molina, who reportedly punched Rodri in the chest, Thiago Almada, who struck Gavi, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who hit Dani Olmo. Ayala has since expressed regret over his actions, stating that his intention was to separate players and that he would apologise to Olmo in person. He described his action as more of a shove than a punch, attributing it to a reaction to something said in the heat of the moment.
Ayala reflected on the aftermath of the final, noting the warm welcome the team received back in Buenos Aires helped to calm emotions. He acknowledged that the team’s image was damaged by the ending of the match and took responsibility for his actions. He also congratulated Spain on their victory, acknowledging they were superior and deserving of the World Cup title. Ayala also commented on the referee’s performance during the final, suggesting that while the referee allowed some small fouls to go uncalled, he did well overall, despite the early yellow card leading to Enzo Fernandez‘s dismissal.
Enzo Fernandez was indeed dismissed during the final after receiving a second yellow card in second-half added time. FIFA is continuing to gather reports and footage related to the post-match events, and further disciplinary actions cannot be ruled out once the investigation concludes.
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Source: bbc.com
Ishaan Kapoor
Sports correspondent covering cricket, football and international competitions.