Argentina’s Paredes Hit With 10-Game Ban
FIFA hands out suspensions after World Cup final incident, with Paredes receiving one of the longest bans in World Cup history.
The update
Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 games by FIFA for his role in post-match confrontations with Spain players after losing the World Cup final. The disciplinary committee also suspended Argentina defender Nahuel Molina for seven games and Thiago Almada for one game. Spain’s Gavi received a one-match suspension for his involvement.
Why it matters
The 10-game ban for Paredes ranks among the most severe in World Cup history, comparable to Luis Suarez’s 2014 suspension. The effectively one-year expulsion significantly impacts Argentina’s squad depth as they prepare to defend their title. The Argentina football association faces a $321,000 fine and must invest $100,000 in antiracism projects.
What to watch
Argentina plans to appeal the sanctions, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if unsuccessful. The suspensions will only apply to international fixtures, with no competitive matches currently scheduled through June 2027.
Sources
- aljazeera.com — Details on Paredes' suspension and comparison to Suarez's ban
- bbc.co.uk — Information on Argentina's fine and capacity restrictions
