Historic Suspensions Imposed on Argentina May Be Lifeline for FIFA’s Embattled President

Facing relentless internal and external calls for his resignation, FIFA president Gianni Infantino saw his governing body take an uncompromising stance on Friday, handing down historic suspensions to three members of the Argentine national team.The sanctions stem from a violent brawl that erupted on the pitch at MetLife Stadium immediately following Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in last month’s World Cup Final. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received the harshest penalty, a 10-match suspension for grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Spanish midfielder Gavi to the ground.The suspension, which ranks the most severe in FIFA history, effectively sidelines Mr. Paredes from the Argentina team for one year as the squad is scheduled to compete in 10 games on the FIFA 2027 calendar through next June.Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was hit with a seven-game suspension, while Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension. FIFA also issued fines of $90,000 on Messrs. Paredes and Molina, and $30,000 for Mr. Almada, according to the Associated Press.Mr. Gavi is also banned for one game. Argentina coach Robeto Ayala was sanctioned. He was suspended for three games and fined $30,000, and the Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 for a range of incidents during the World Cup, including waving a political banner at the end of their match with England.Argentina, which received $34 million in World Cup prize money, is also ordered to spend $100,000 on anti-racism projects.Curiously, Mr. Infantino praised Argentina’s “professionalism” during the World Cup in a letter to the nation’s federation immediately after the final. The letter drew sharp criticism, considering the brawl was seen on world-wide television.If Argentina had received a lesser penalty for their post-game actions, Mr. Infantino’s re-election credibility could have taken another serious blow. As the final seconds ticked away in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina after 120 minutes of play, a fight broke out as the two teams took the pitch to celebrate or hang their heads in defeat. A few players began fighting.Though the incident was ignored during the trophy presentation ceremonies, videos of the incident led to calls for Argentina to receive a harsh penalty for its post-game actions.At the time FIFA said its Disciplinary Committee had appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate the post-match incidents. Until Friday it remained unclear how severe the penalties would be.Any decision would reflect on Mr. Infantino’s leadership. The embattled president has tried to distance himself from the decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee such as lifting the mandatory one-game red card suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. But that action came after President Trump admitted making a call to the FIFA president, which enraged many of the FIFA membership.Their opposition became even more unified after Mr. Infantino proposed a $20 billion partnership with a private equity firm to Joshua Kushner, the brother of Mr. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.Leaders of UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, the governing body of North American, Central American, and Caribbean soccer all rejected the proposal, forcing Mr. Infantino to abandon the plan.The fallout continued this week when Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer was dismissed after he spoke out against Mr. Infantino’s private equity proposal. Mr. Lamour said that staff was “deceived” by the plan, which has been abandoned. He also called on Mr. Infantino to resign.Meanwhile, a petition, backed by 42 supporter organizations across Europe, is seeking his immediate resignation. Mr. Infantino became president in February 2016. The next presidential election process is set for March 2027. No challengers have publicly emerged.

Historic Suspensions Imposed on Argentina May Be Lifeline for FIFA’s Embattled President

Historic Suspensions Imposed on Argentina May Be Lifeline for FIFA’s Embattled President

More from the New York Sun

Roberts Allows Trump’s Ballroom Construction To Continue While Supreme Court Considers Appeal

American Academic Who Sparked Scrutiny of Cambridge Professor Is Suspended, Prompting a Rebuke From the State Department

Welcome Home, Harry: Prodigal Prince Is Hit With $13 Million Bill — Due in a Week — for Failed Case Against the Press

Greta Garbo, as Seen Through Family Eyes

Chuck Schumer Surrenders to Abdul El-Sayed

Navy Reportedly Considering Changing Name of Aircraft Carrier Honoring Black World War II Hero To Honor Trump

Apple Refines Its Liquid Glass Vision, but Google Maps Still Works Better

Beef Producers Say Trump’s Tariff Relief on Imports ‘Sacrifices Long-Term Stability’ for American Cattlemen

More from the New York Sun

Roberts Allows Trump’s Ballroom Construction To Continue While Supreme Court Considers Appeal

American Academic Who Sparked Scrutiny of Cambridge Professor Is Suspended, Prompting a Rebuke From the State Department

Welcome Home, Harry: Prodigal Prince Is Hit With $13 Million Bill — Due in a Week — for Failed Case Against the Press

Greta Garbo, as Seen Through Family Eyes

Chuck Schumer Surrenders to Abdul El-Sayed

Navy Reportedly Considering Changing Name of Aircraft Carrier Honoring Black World War II Hero To Honor Trump

Apple Refines Its Liquid Glass Vision, but Google Maps Still Works Better

Beef Producers Say Trump’s Tariff Relief on Imports ‘Sacrifices Long-Term Stability’ for American Cattlemen