Gavi Says Leandro Paredes Should Not Be Suspended After World Cup Final Clash

Gavi Speaks Out on Paredes' Role in Post-Final Incident

Spain midfielder Gavi has voiced his opinion that Argentina's Leandro Paredes does not deserve a suspension for his involvement in the altercation following the 2026 World Cup final.

The confrontation erupted after Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina. Alongside Paredes, teammates Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were seen in the scuffle on the pitch.

During the incident, Paredes appeared to push Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Gavi, who was an unused substitute, attempted to intervene but was knocked down by Almada. Paredes then pushed Gavi to the ground by placing his hand against the Spaniard's face.

FIFA Investigates, But No Immediate Sanctions

FIFA assigned a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review the events, with potential suspensions for players or coaches involved and possible fines for the Argentine Football Association. Initially, reports suggested Paredes had been sent off during the match, but this was later corrected. FIFA confirmed no disciplinary action was taken at the time against Paredes.

"I don’t think [Paredes] should be suspended," Gavi told El Partidazo de COPE. "I understand it’s not a good image for children, but there’s also a physical and aggressive side to football. The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match. In the end, I think it’s all part of football and it has to be that way."

Ayala Takes Responsibility, Explains Actions

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala addressed his role in the incident, where he appeared to strike Dani Olmo in the face. Ayala described it as more of a push than a punch.

"When the match ended, I saw a scuffle in the middle of the pitch and I went over to stop it from escalating, because that’s not who we are," Ayala said on Capital Radio in Valencia. "I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was simply to go and separate them, nothing more."

Other Disciplinary Actions

Argentina'sEnzo Fernandez was dismissed during the final after receiving a second yellow card in added time of the second half.