Argentina FA calls FIFA sanctions 'exaggerated,' will appeal to CAS

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has labeled the severe penalties imposed by FIFA following the 2026 World Cup final disturbances as "exaggerated." The AFA announced its intention to appeal the sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA's disciplinary actions included suspensions for Leandro Paredes (ten matches), Nahuel Molina (seven), Thiago Almada (one), and technical staff member Roberto Ayala (three). The AFA's legal advisor, Andrés Paton Urich, expressed optimism about the appeal, citing a past instance where Lionel Messi's four-match ban was reduced to zero. He clarified that these suspensions apply only to official FIFA matches, allowing the sanctioned players to participate in friendlies and the Copa América.

In addition to player sanctions, the AFA was fined $321,000 for incidents during matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain in the World Cup. Furthermore, the national team will play its next two home games with 50% stadium capacity. The AFA stated that the restricted seats will be given free to charities and children.

Beyond the legal strategy, the AFA representative emphasized the need for appropriate behavior in stadiums and adherence to FIFA and CONMEBOL's zero-tolerance policy on discriminatory conduct. The organization views the current situation as a critical opportunity to curb inappropriate behavior in stadiums.