Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes didn’t hold back, calling the 10-game suspension and $90,000 fine imposed by FIFA “excessive.” The sanction stems from the incidents that erupted following the final of the 2026 World Cup in North America, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.
On August 21, world soccer’s governing body came down hard on several members of the Albiceleste and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), both for the brawl in the final and for the display of a Falkland Islands flag during the semifinal against England.
In addition to Paredes, the sanctions were imposed on defender Nahuel Molina (seven matches), midfielder Thiago Almada (one match), and assistant coach Roberto “Ratón” Ayala (three matches).
Paredes, who received the harshest penalty following the July 19 incidents at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, directly criticized the disparity in the punishments:
“It seems excessive. What’s strange is that Gavi only got one match suspension—he’s the one who punched me in the chest,” the Boca Juniors midfielder said Friday night after his team’s victory over Lanús. “Now we have to appeal and see if they can reduce the suspension,” he added.
The chaos in the World Cup final began with a blow by Molina to Spanish captain Rodri, a situation that escalated when Paredes brought down Eric García and Gavi himself.
The AFA has already confirmed that it will appeal the decision. As an initial relief, the federation managed to secure an arrangement allowing the suspensions to be served in friendly matches. This is crucial ahead of the upcoming FIFA international window (September 21 through October 6), during which Argentina could play up to three warm-up matches.
