NEW YORK: Calls are mounting for FIFA to impose a lengthy suspension on Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes following violent scenes that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Former English Premier League chief referee Keith Hackett has urged FIFA to take strict disciplinary action, recommending at least a 10-match ban for Paredes to set a strong example for player conduct.
The final at New Jersey Stadium, New York, turned tense after Argentina’s Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for fouling Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, reducing the defending champions to ten men.
Following the final whistle, as Spain celebrated their second World Cup title, a confrontation broke out on the pitch. According to reports, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina allegedly punched Spanish captain Rodri, while Paredes became involved in further altercations with Eric García and Gavi, escalating the chaos.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett described Paredes’ behavior as “shameful and unacceptable.”
“This is the biggest stage in world football. What happened was deeply disappointing and cannot be tolerated. In my opinion, Paredes deserves a minimum 10-match suspension,” Hackett said.
He praised referee Slavko Vinčić for issuing red cards where necessary but stressed that FIFA must take further action.
“These are images FIFA will not want associated with the World Cup. The tournament ended with violence instead of celebration. It is now FIFA’s responsibility to restore discipline and protect the integrity of the game,” he added.
If FIFA imposes such a punishment, it would rank among the most severe disciplinary sanctions in World Cup history.
Some notable precedents include:
- Luis Suárez (2014): Nine-match international ban and four-month suspension from all football activities for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.
- Mauro Tassotti (1994): Eight-match ban for elbowing Spain’s Luis Enrique.
- José Batista (1986): Three-match suspension for a serious foul.
FIFA has not yet announced whether disciplinary proceedings will be initiated over the incidents that followed the 2026 World Cup final.
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