Reports of a post-match straight red card for the veteran midfielder on July 20, 2026, stemmed entirely from a technical glitch within FIFA’s match center information system. While the card has been struck from his active record, the global governing body has launched a comprehensive investigation into the aggressive post-match behavior of several Argentine players.
Clearup of the System Error
The intense physical confrontation erupted on the halfway line immediately following the final whistle of Spain’s 1–0 World Cup final victory at MetLife Stadium. Images captured Paredes grabbing Spanish defender Eric García by the throat and pushing midfielder Gavi to the turf.
- The Glitch: FIFA’s digital match center initially updated to show a red card for Paredes.
- The Reality: The data entry was a system error. Referee Slavko Vinčić did not show Paredes a red card on the pitch; his only official booking was a first-half yellow card.
- Only Official Red: The only Argentine player legally sent off during the match was midfielder Enzo Fernández, who received a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.
FIFA Launches Retrospective Investigation
Even though no on-field dismissal took place, Paredes and several teammates remain in major disciplinary danger. According to official communications verified by BBC Sport, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has officially appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to review the chaotic scenes.
The retrospective review, backed by extensive match report analysis, is evaluating the actions of multiple personnel who engaged in the post-match fracas:
- Leandro Paredes: Under review for violent conduct after choking Eric García.
- Nahuel Molina: Facing scrutiny after television replays appeared to catch him striking Spain’s captain Rodri in the stomach area.
- Thiago Almada & Roberto Ayala: The midfielder and assistant coach have also been named in match official reports as active participants in the physical scuffle.
Potential Consequences on the Horizon
The appointed prosecutor’s report will determine the severity of the incoming punishments. If found guilty of breaching the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the individual players face long-term international match suspensions. Concurrently, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is expected to receive a heavy financial fine for failing to control their squad and staff members during the tournament’s final match.
