Argentina have found a way to potentially speed up the suspensions handed to three players following the post-match brawl after their World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Leandro Paredes was handed the biggest punishment, receiving a 10-match ban and a £65,000 fine for his role in the incident.

The midfielder was involved in a confrontation with Spain's Eric Garcia before punching Gavi in the face and pushing the Barcelona midfielder to the ground as tensions boiled over following the final whistle.

Nahuel Molina was also punished for his involvement, receiving a seven-match suspension after striking Spain captain Rodri in the torso.

Thiago Almada was handed a one-match ban, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned for his involvement in the post-match scenes.

FIFA Allow Argentina to Serve World Cup Bans in Friendlies

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has now found a potential route to reduce the amount of time their players will be unavailable for international duty.

The AFA requested that the suspensions could be served during Class A international friendlies, rather than only competitive matches.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has approved the request under its current regulations, meaning Argentina can use friendly matches to work through the suspensions.

The AFA said: “The AFA has formally requested FIFA to allow the sanctions imposed on its players during the 2026 World Cup final, and on the association itself, to be served in Class A friendly matches and/or official matches, whichever comes first.”

The decision means Argentina could look to arrange several friendlies during upcoming international breaks, allowing Paredes, Molina and Almada to serve their suspensions before competitive international football returns.

How the Decision Could Speed Up Leandro Paredes' Argentina Return

The decision could be particularly important for Paredes, who would otherwise face a lengthy absence from the Argentina squad following his 10-match suspension.

Argentina are already guaranteed a place at the next World Cup as one of the co-host nations, meaning their next major competitive tournament is expected to be the 2028 Copa America.

With relatively few competitive fixtures scheduled before then, the ability to serve bans in friendlies could significantly accelerate the players' return.

The AFA has also confirmed that it plans to appeal the original sanctions once FIFA provides its written justification.

The governing body said it could take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if necessary.

What Happened in Argentina's World Cup Final Brawl With Spain?

The punishments followed a dramatic World Cup final in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0, with tensions spilling over between the two sides after the final whistle.

Paredes' confrontation with Garcia and Gavi was one of several incidents that led FIFA to take disciplinary action against the Argentina players.

Molina was punished after his clash with Rodri, while Almada was also sanctioned for his involvement in the scenes.

Argentina will now hope their appeals can further reduce the punishments, while the newly approved friendly-match arrangement gives their suspended players a quicker route back to international football.

Argentina Also Face FIFA Punishment Over Falklands Banner

The final brawl was not the only disciplinary controversy involving Argentina at the tournament.

Following their semi-final victory over England, several Argentina players were pictured alongside a banner claiming the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina.

FIFA subsequently imposed a two-match partial stadium closure on the AFA, with one of those matches suspended, alongside financial penalties.

The incident was separate from the individual suspensions handed out following the World Cup final.

Argentina will now look to put the disciplinary issues behind them, with the AFA continuing its appeals while potentially arranging friendlies to help its players serve their bans.