The World Cup final has drawn no shortage of discussion and criticism, particularly after Argentine players and coaching staff were involved in a scuffle with Spanish players following the match, resulting in suspensions. They have finally received good news: FIFA is lifting those suspensions.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed Thursday that it had requested FIFA lift the suspensions on its players and coaches, and that world football’s governing body has approved the request. In a statement, AFA said: “The Argentine Football Association awaits detailed reasoning for the decisions in order to protect its own rights and those of its players. We will then file an appropriate appeal with FIFA’s Appeal Committee. If necessary, as a last resort, we will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
After losing 1-0 to Spain in the July 19 final in New Jersey, Leandro Paredes lost his composure. He had already picked up a yellow card after coming on as a substitute during the match. After finishing runner-up, Paredes grabbed Spanish players Gavi and Dani Olmo by the throat. He received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card, and FIFA later lifted that suspension as well.
After facing criticism for lifting Paredes’ suspension, FIFA investigated the Argentina-Spain final. World football’s governing body subsequently banned Paredes for 10 matches, Nahuel Molina for 7 matches, and Thiago Almada for 1 match. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also banned for three matches for his involvement in the choking incident.
Alongside the suspensions for Molina, Paredes and others, financial fines were also imposed. Under the rules, these suspensions were meant to take effect in tournaments such as the Copa America or World Cup, but AFA made a special request to FIFA. AFA asked that the players be allowed to serve their suspensions in friendly matches outside official tournaments as well.
World football’s governing body has granted Argentina’s request. AFA is considering going as far as the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.
Spain won its second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0. The Spanish had previously become champions for the first time in 2010, defeating the Netherlands. Like Spain, France has also won the World Cup twice. Brazil has won the most titles, with five. Germany and Italy have each won four times. Argentina has won three World Cups.