Paredes disputes FIFA punishment after Argentina-Spain World Cup final clash

Leandro Paredes has described his 10-match suspension as “excessive” after FIFA punished players and officials for the confrontation between Argentina and Spain following the 2026 World Cup final.

The Argentina midfielder has appealed against the ban, with the Argentina Football Association hoping to reduce the number of competitive matches he will miss. Paredes’ comments were reported by Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

Paredes also questioned why Gavi was the only Spain player to receive a suspension. He said: “He was the one who punched me in the chest, but it’s fine, that’s what happened.”

The FIFA disciplinary ruling includes a fine of 78,000 euros for Paredes. Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina has been suspended for seven matches, while Roberto Ayala, a member of the coaching staff, has received a three-match ban. Thiago Almada has been suspended for one match.

Molina, Ayala and Almada have each also been fined 27,000 euros.

FIFA has additionally imposed a 270,000-euro fine on the Argentina Football Association. The punishment relates to a political banner which supporters brought into the stadium and which some of the players displayed during the celebrations.

The appeal has produced one favourable outcome for Argentina. FIFA has ruled that the suspensions can be served during friendly internationals, rather than only competitive fixtures. That change could significantly reduce the number of official matches missed by the sanctioned players.

However, the ruling still means Paredes and Molina will not be able to return to the Argentina squad during the remainder of 2026. The amended terms give the coaching staff a chance to restore both players to competitive action at a relatively earlier stage, depending on the team’s schedule.

Paredes’ absence is nevertheless expected to be substantial. Based on the current information, his possible return to the national team is not expected before the international windows in September or October 2027.

That would leave the midfielder potentially sidelined from Argentina duty for more than a year, at a time when the squad is preparing for an important period of change. The team is expected to be reshaped, with the future of several established members also needing to be decided.

The disciplinary action follows the incident involving Argentina and Spain players after the 2026 World Cup final. FIFA’s sanctions have continued to affect both national teams, with the appeal now offering Argentina a route towards limiting the competitive impact of the punishments.

Paredes remains the most severely sanctioned Argentina player, both in terms of the length of his suspension and the potential effect on his international future. His claim that Gavi struck him during the confrontation is central to his criticism of the decision, although the FIFA punishment remains in place while the appeal process develops.