FIFA Cuts Molina Suspension to Four Matches
FIFA partially upheld the Argentine Football Association's appeal, reducing Nahuel Molina's ban and fine while keeping Leandro Paredes' 10-match suspension.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer
FIFA partially upheld the Argentine Football Association's appeal against disciplinary sanctions following the 2026 World Cup final, reducing Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to four and his fine from $90,000 to $60,000. Leandro Paredes' 10-match suspension and original $90,000 fine were maintained.
Why it matters
The ruling clarifies accountability for conduct during the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 over Argentina, and for discriminatory chants during Argentina's fixtures. It also sets the terms under which the AFA is pursuing further review.
The FIFA decision reduced Nahuel Molina's suspension from seven matches to four and his fine from $90,000 to $60,000, while Leandro Paredes keeps a 10-match suspension and the original $90,000 fine. The AFA's further challenge over the full reasoning remains unresolved.
The players
Nahuel Molina
Argentine defender whose suspension and fine were reduced on appeal after the World Cup final.
Leandro Paredes
Argentine midfielder who was sanctioned for aggression towards Gavi during the 2026 World Cup final and keeps his 10-match ban.
Argentine Football Association (AFA)
The governing body of football in Argentina, which appealed the sanctions and plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
FIFA
The international football governing body that reviewed the sanctions and partially upheld the AFA's appeal.
The details
Paredes was sanctioned for aggression towards Gavi during the final, which Spain won 1-0. Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and Roberto Ayala a three-match ban, and the AFA was fined $321,000 and ordered to play matches with spectator restrictions over discriminatory chants.
Timeline
July 2026: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.
November 7, 2026: FIFA partially upheld the AFA's appeal and reduced Molina's suspension.
Season Trajectory
FIFA's partial reversal under its Disciplinary Code shows how appeals can reshape sanctions after a major tournament. The AFA's plan to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport could extend the dispute beyond FIFA's own process.
Molina's reduced four-match ban means he is eligible to return sooner, which affects Argentina's squad planning and fantasy lineups. Paredes' 10-match suspension keeps him out for a longer stretch.
The takeaway
Sanctions for conduct at major tournaments can be revised on appeal, so the final penalties may differ from the first rulings. Readers should watch for the full FIFA reasoning, which will explain how these decisions were reached.
What happens next
The AFA will request the full reasoning behind FIFA's decisions and plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Further reading
For more on the sport's governing rules and competitions, browse the Soccer section.
