Argentina calls FIFA penalties 'excessive' after World Cup final incidents

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has labeled FIFA's post-World Cup final sanctions against the national team as "excessive," while simultaneously recognizing the penalties as a "great opportunity to raise awareness" regarding appropriate behavior at stadiums. The AFA intends to appeal the decisions, seeking to mitigate the punishments.

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We are convinced that the penalties are excessive and we will try to mitigate them.

FIFA's disciplinary committee handed down suspensions to several key figures, including player Leandro Paredes for ten matches, Nahuel Molina for seven, Thiago Almada for one, and staff member Roberto Ayala for three. These sanctions stem from incidents that occurred on the field after the final match. The AFA's legal advisor, Andrés Paton Urich, expressed confidence in their appeal, referencing a past case where Lionel Messi's four-match ban was reduced to zero.

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We have a recent precedent. When (Lionel) Messi was given four games suspension in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, the appeals committee reduced the penalty to zero.

Paton Urich clarified that the suspensions apply only to official FIFA-sanctioned matches, allowing the penalized individuals to participate in friendly games and Copa America fixtures. Additionally, the AFA faces a $321,000 fine and must host its next two home games with a 50% spectator capacity limit. The association also pledged to offer any vacant seats due to the restriction to charitable organizations or children. FIFA and CONMEBOL maintain a "zero tolerance" policy towards discriminatory fan behavior, a stance the AFA acknowledges while emphasizing the need for respectful conduct at matches.

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FIFA and CONMEBOL have zero tolerance towards discriminatory behavior and we have to understand that one must behave appropriately and with respect in the stadium.