The Argentine Football Association (AFA) formally confirmed on Saturday that it has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge punitive measures issued by FIFA following the tumultuous conclusion of the World Cup final.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes bore the brunt of the disciplinary action, absorbing a 10-match suspension alongside a $90,000 fine for his involvement in physical altercations with Spanish players. The flashpoints occurred following Spain's 1-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
During the post-match fracas, Paredes physicalized his protests by grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and tackling Gavi to the ground while clutching his substitute's bib, actions that amplified the on-field tensions.
Beyond player punishments, the AFA itself was slammed with a $321,000 penalty. This fine addressed multiple violations of FIFA's disciplinary regulations, specifically citing the exploitation of a sporting platform for non-sporting demonstrations, collective team misconduct, and discriminatory vocalizations and gestures from supporters.
Additional disciplinary measures struck Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and coaching staff member Roberto Ayala, all of whom faced respective suspensions and monetary penalties.
What was the outcome of the initial appeals?
Before escalating the matter to CAS, the AFA pursued relief through FIFA's internal appeals framework. While that tribunal dismissed challenges concerning Paredes and the overarching association fines, it offered a slight concession regarding Molina, reducing his sanction from a seven-game ban and $90,000 fine down to four matches and $60,000.
Dissatisfied with the remaining penalties, the AFA stated its decision to bypass further football governance bodies and seek a final legal resolution through CAS.