Leandro Paredes hits back at FIFA over 10-match World Cup ban

Argentina midfielder says punishment is excessive after incidents during World Cup final against Spain

Leandro Paredes has described his 10-match FIFA suspension as excessive and questioned why his punishment is significantly greater than the sanction handed to Spain midfielder Gavi following the 2026 World Cup final.

The Boca Juniors midfielder was suspended by FIFA after incidents involving players at the end of Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.

Paredes has now spoken publicly about the decision and said he was surprised by the length of the ban.

The Argentina international believes the punishment does not reflect what happened during the incident and is particularly unhappy about the difference between his 10-match suspension and Gavi’s one-match ban.

Paredes questions difference in FIFA sanctions

Paredes said he believes the punishment imposed on him is disproportionate and pointed to the incident involving Gavi.

The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said Gavi was responsible for punching him in the chest but received only a yellow card.

He said the contrast between the two punishments was difficult to understand.

“It seems exaggerated to me. What’s also strange is that Gavi only got one yellow card, even though he’s the one who punched me in the chest. Now we have to appeal the sanction. For me, it’s excessive and I think it can be reduced ,” said the former Paris Saint-Germain player.

Paredes’ comments come as the Argentina Football Association prepares to challenge the FIFA decision.

Argentina plans appeal against suspension

The Argentine Football Association is expected to appeal the 10-match suspension imposed on Paredes.

The midfielder believes there is a possibility that the punishment could be reduced following the appeal process.

The length of the ban means the decision could have an impact on Paredes’ availability for Argentina, although FIFA could permit him to serve the suspension during upcoming friendly matches.

That possibility would allow the midfielder to complete at least part of the punishment outside competitive international fixtures.

For now, however, the suspension remains in place while the appeal is prepared.

World Cup final incident leads to punishment

Paredes’ suspension stems from the events that took place after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.

Argentina lost the match 1-0 after extra time, ending their campaign with defeat in the final.

The post-match incidents subsequently resulted in disciplinary action from FIFA.

Paredes was handed a 10-match suspension, a punishment he believes is too severe.

The Boca Juniors player has now made clear that he intends to challenge the decision rather than accept the ban without question.

Paredes wants punishment reduced

The midfielder’s main argument centres on the difference between the punishment he received and the sanction given to Gavi.

Paredes believes the one-match suspension issued to the Spain international does not correspond with the treatment he received during the incident.

His comments have added another dimension to the disciplinary case, with Argentina now preparing to appeal FIFA’s decision.

The outcome of that process will determine whether Paredes’ suspension is reduced.

🚨 Leandro Paredes: How did I take the 10-match suspension? It seems excessive to me.

"What’s strange is that Gavi got one match, and he’s the one who punches me in the chest.

"But anyway, it’s done now. All that’s left is to appeal and see if they can reduce the suspension.” pic.twitter.com/hGhJ52i3ef

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 29, 2026

FIFA may also allow the Argentine to serve the ban during friendly matches played by the national team.

That could limit the impact of the suspension on Argentina’s competitive fixtures, depending on the final decision.

For Paredes, the immediate priority is to challenge a punishment he considers excessive.

The 10-match ban remains the subject of an appeal, while the midfielder continues to question why the disciplinary consequences were so different for the two players involved.