Gavi says Paredes shouldn't face suspension after World Cup fight

Spain midfielder Gavi has said that Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should not be suspended after the clash that happened following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The fight broke out after Spain beat Argentina 1-0. Several Argentine players and officials got into a heated argument as Spain celebrated their win.

Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada from Argentina were involved, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Paredes seemed to push Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, and Gavi tried to step in.

Gavi, who did not play in the final, was pushed to the ground by Almada during the fight. Paredes also put his hand in Gavi’s face as things got tense.

FIFA has brought in a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to look into what happened. They may suspend players or officials involved in the incident.

The Argentine Football Association might also face penalties.

But Gavi thinks it would be wrong to suspend Paredes.
“I don’t think [Paredes] should be suspended,” Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE.

Gavi admitted that the scenes were not good, especially for younger fans. But he also said that physical play and emotions are part of football.

“I understand it’s not a good image for children, but I think there’s also that football side, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive,” he explained.

Gavi suggested that any punishment should have been dealt with during the match instead of later.
“The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. In the end, I think it’s all football, and it has to be that way,” he added.

There was some confusion after FIFA’s commentary system wrongly showed that Paredes had been sent off for his clash with Garcia. The red card was later taken back, and FIFA confirmed that no action was taken against him during the final.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was the only player sent off during the match. He received a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Now, FIFA is reviewing the post-match incident to see if any further action is needed.