World Cup final brawl: FIFA imposes heavy fine on Argentina, hands bans to players

NEW JERSEY: FIFA has imposed heavy sanctions on Argentina following a brawl that broke out after its defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final. Following an investigation into the incident, FIFA imposed a fine of $321,000 (around Rs 2.9 crore) on the Argentine Football Association. Argentina will also be required to limit attendance to 50% of stadium capacity for its next two home matches.

Several Argentine players and officials were also handed suspensions. Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban and a fine of $90,000 (around Rs 86 lakh), while Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000. Thiago Almada was handed a one-match suspension, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match ban. Spain's Gavi was also suspended for one match.

The sanctions follow a major clash after the final, during which Paredes allegedly grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the neck. FIFA said the Argentine team and its supporters had violated its disciplinary regulations. The governing body also took action over racist abuse, citing discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters.