FIFA reduces Molina’s ban over World Cup final brawl, Paredes keeps 10-match suspension

FIFA’s appeals committee has reduced Argentina defender Nahuel Molina’s suspension for the brawl after the World Cup final against Spain from seven matches to four.

Leandro Paredes, however, will serve the full 10-match ban handed to him, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) now turning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The AFA confirmed the outcome on Friday, November 6, saying Molina’s appeal had been accepted. His $60,000 fine was not changed. Molina had been punished for punching Rodri during Spain’s title celebrations, after Argentina lost the final 1-0.

Paredes had no such luck. He was found to have pushed and struck Eric Garcia and to have squared up to Gavi in the same melee. The appeals committee upheld his 10-match suspension and $90,000 fine, leaving his punishment untouched.

A separate $321,000 fine over discriminatory chants by Argentina supporters was also upheld. It was imposed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, and the appeals process did not alter it.

The AFA plans to challenge both the Paredes suspension and the fine for the chants at CAS. It will first ask FIFA for a detailed explanation of the decision, and believes it has enough factual and legal grounds to contest the ruling.

Two other players have already finished their punishments. Thiago Almada served a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine, while Roberto Ayala served three matches and a $30,000 fine for punching Dani Olmo. Both bans were completed during the previous international break.

Argentina now turn to the November international break with two friendlies. They face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13, then Costa Rica in Cordoba on November 17.