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The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has managed to secure a key concession from FIFA to lessen the immediate effect of the heavy suspensions imposed on Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina. Both players were punished severely after a violent altercation following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, but a fresh decision means they will now be able to serve those bans during upcoming friendly matches.

Post-match clash results in major punishments

Argentina went down 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with the match ultimately being overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle. FIFA then handed out strict sanctions to several Argentina figures, including assistant coach Roberto Ayala.

Paredes received the toughest punishment. The 32-year-old midfielder was given a 10-match suspension and fined £65,000 for grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat, hitting Gavi in the face, and pushing the teenager to the ground.

Molina was handed a seven-match suspension for striking Spain captain Rodri in the torso, an act that sparked the heated confrontation between the two sides. Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi, meanwhile, both received one-match bans for their individual involvement in the melee.

AFA confirms FIFA request has been accepted

In an attempt to reduce the damage, the AFA pushed football's governing body to change the way the suspensions would be served. The association then issued a statement confirming the course it had taken regarding the disciplinary action.

"The AFA has formally requested FIFA to allow the sanctions imposed on its players during the 2026 World Cup final, and on the association itself, to be served in Class A friendly matches and/or official matches, whichever comes first," the statement said. "Based on the AFA's submission, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has deemed the request approved in accordance with current regulations.

"Nevertheless, the AFA, in defence of its rights and those of its players, is awaiting the written justification for the decisions in order to file the corresponding appeals with FIFA's Appeals Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) potentially as the final recourse."

Falklands banner row leads to stadium sanction

The brawl was not Argentina's only disciplinary problem during the tournament. After their semi-final win over England, players including Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martinez were seen celebrating with a controversial banner stating that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.

Although there were calls for individual suspensions because of the political protest, the players escaped direct punishment. Instead, FIFA fined the AFA £235,000, with £73,000 of that amount suspended.

In addition, Argentina will have to play their next two home matches under a partial stadium closure. Those games will be staged with the stadium at 50 per cent capacity, although one of those match closures remains suspended.

Friendlies crucial to speeding up international returns

By serving these suspensions in non-competitive matches, Argentina can move much faster in bringing back two important players. The AFA is now expected to line up a packed programme of international friendlies in order to quickly complete the bans for Paredes and Molina.

As co-hosts of the centenary matches, Argentina already have a guaranteed place at the next World Cup. That means their next competitive fixtures will not come until the 2028 Copa America, giving the national side plenty of time to organise Class A exhibition matches and bring their suspended stars back into the squad.