Omanghana
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has criticized the 10-match international suspension imposed on him by FIFA following the post-match altercation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Paredes described the punishment as “excessive” and “exaggerated” while expressing confidence that it could be reduced through an appeal.
The Boca Juniors midfielder addressed the controversy at La Bombonera after his club recorded a 1–0 victory over Lanús. He also questioned why Spain midfielder Gavi received a considerably shorter suspension despite allegedly punching him in the chest during the confrontation.
“For me, the sanction is excessive, and I think it can be reduced. It seems exaggerated,” Paredes told reporters.
“The strange thing is also that Gavi was given one [match], who is the one who gave me the punch in the chest, but hey, that is it. Now we have to appeal the sanction. The people who know about these things will see if they can overturn it.”
The sanctions followed an investigation by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee into the melee that erupted after the final whistle. Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were punished for their alleged roles in the incident.
Paredes received the heaviest individual penalty, consisting of a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine, equivalent to approximately £66,000.
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban and the same financial penalty. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine, while midfielder Thiago Almada was banned for one game and fined $30,000.
Gavi was also suspended for one match and ordered to pay a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association received an additional $321,000 penalty and was ordered to serve a partial stadium closure.
The AFA and Paredes’ legal representatives have reportedly lodged an appeal under Article 61 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. They are seeking to reduce or overturn the midfielder’s suspension before Argentina’s upcoming international fixtures.
The appeal is expected to focus partly on the perceived difference between Paredes’ punishment and the one-match ban given to Gavi. FIFA’s appeals process will determine whether the original decision stands or whether the suspension should be shortened.
Paredes’ ban applies exclusively to senior national team matches and will not affect his eligibility to represent Boca Juniors in domestic or continental competitions.
Unless the appeal succeeds, Argentina will be without the experienced midfielder for 10 international matches—a significant absence for the national team following the World Cup final.
Source: Omanghana
