Spain midfielder Gavi said he does not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should be suspended for his role in the post-match brawl following the World Cup final, arguing that the incident should have been dealt with during the match rather than through retrospective punishment.
Paredes was involved in violent scenes after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, clashing with Spain defender Eric Garcia before pushing Gavi to the ground as players and staff from both teams became embroiled in a confrontation.
FIFA has since opened an investigation into the incident by appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor, although no sanctions have yet been announced.
Speaking after returning to Spain, Gavi said he did not want Paredes to receive a suspension.
“No, I don’t think he should be suspended,” Gavi told Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE.
“I understand it’s not a good image for kids, but football also has that more physical, more aggressive side.
“The logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that’s it. At the end of the day, it’s football, and I think it should always stay that way.”
Spain secured their second World Cup title thanks to Ferran Torres’ winner in the 106th minute of extra time after a tense, physical contest.
Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men in stoppage time of normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Tempers boiled over after the final whistle, with Paredes confronting Garcia before shoving Gavi, triggering a mass confrontation involving players, substitutes and coaching staff before officials and teammates restored order.
FIFA later clarified that reports stating Paredes had been shown a red card after the final whistle were incorrect, saying the dismissal had been mistakenly recorded on its commentator information system before being corrected. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
