Leandro Paredes Escapes Red Card as Fifa Probes Brawl

Chaos erupts after World Cup final

In New Jersey on Sunday, the aftermath of the Spain‑Argentina contest descended into disorder as Spain’s substitutes surged onto the pitch to celebrate. The spark began when Argentina defender Nahuel Molina threw a punch at Spain captain Rodri, igniting a chain reaction. Midfielder Leandro Paredes quickly joined the melee, grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and slamming him to the ground. The scene required Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni to sprint across the pitch to calm his defeated players.

violent exchanges involve Paredes

Paredes’s involvement did not stop at Garcia; he later wrestled Spain’s Gavi to the turf and pressed the teenager’s face while clutching his substitute bib. Television coverage from ITV and the BBC initially suggested that Paredes had been shown a red card for these actions. Fifa sources, however, have told The Independent that no such dismissal was recorded by referee Slavko Vincic.

Fifa launches investigation

Fifa confirmed that a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor has been appointed to look into the post‑match incidents, citing article 36 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. The governing body stated that further details will be issued once the prosecutor’s report is complete. Sources also noted that the official match centre for the final shows no red card for Paredes, only a yellow received after his half‑time substitution. The only official dismissal recorded was Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off for a second yellow in stoppage time.

No red for Paredes, but one official dismissal

The discrepancy between broadcast claims and Fifa’s records has raised questions about the accuracy of on‑screen commentary during high‑stakes matches. While the incident remains under review, the focus now shifts to whether any formal sanctions will be imposed. The investigation will examine the severity of the actions, especially those involving Paredes, Molina, and the Spanish substitutes. Stakeholders will watch the outcome as a potential precedent for post‑final conduct in future tournaments.