Argentina’s Leandro Paredes released by FIFA after World Cup final battle?

FIFA appears to have let Leandro Paredes off the hook following his part in the brawl that followed the World Cup final. After Sunday’s defeat to Spain, many of Argentina’s stars were seen arguing with La Roja players, with Paredes at the forefront.

Shortly after the final whistle TV cameras caught the Argentinian midfielder confronting Spanish defender Eric Garcia during the celebrations. The Argentina midfielder lunged towards Garcia as the Spaniard was celebrating his World Cup triumph and punched him twice, sparking a heated row.

As the confrontation escalated, Gavi rushed to separate the pair and defuse the situation involving his Barcelona team-mate. Paredes, still visibly furious, then appeared to wave his arm towards the Spain midfielder. Argentina’s Thiago Almada tried to intervene by pushing Gavi away from the flashpoint to keep him out of harm’s way, but Paredes’ arm kept touching Gavi’s face as tempers flared.

The commentators announced that Paredes was shown a red card for his actions. Or so we thought.

FIFA CLEARS PAREDES’ RED CARD

According to a BBC Sport report, FIFA’s commentator information system initially indicated that referee Slavko Vincic had shown Leandro Paredes a red card for allegedly grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck.

However, the notice was removed from the system a short time later. FIFA subsequently clarified to BBC Sport that no disciplinary action was taken against Paredes during or after the incident.

FIFA APPOINTS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

Following the World Cup final, FIFA established a disciplinary committee and appointed an independent disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents that took place after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium.

Those found responsible for their role in the clashes could face suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also faces a financial penalty. Following Spain’s 1-0 win, sealed by Ferran Torres’ decisive goal, several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in heated confrontations with Spanish players on the pitch.

FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Article 13, allow for sanctions in cases involving unsportsmanlike conduct, breaches of the principles of fair play or conduct that has the effect of damaging the reputation of the sport or the governing body.

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Published on:

22 Jul 2026 10:40 IST