Leandro Paredes faces three charges of violent conduct from FIFA following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Paredes has hinted at the possibility of avoiding a potential nine-match ban from FIFA due to his central role in the disgraceful incidents that unfolded after the World Cup final. The 32-year-old was involved in several unsavory episodes following Spain’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Argentina.
Immediately after the final whistle, Paredes kicked Eric Garcia and then struck him in the throat before bringing down midfielder Gavi to the ground. Each of these incidents could result in a three-match suspension under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code. If found guilty on all counts, the Boca Juniors player could face a cumulative nine-match ban.
However, Paredes recently suggested he might retire from international football, which could render any potential suspension irrelevant.
When asked about his future with the national team days after the final, Paredes replied, “I don’t know. It’s a process: you have to think everything through, reflect, avoid hasty decisions, and that is definitely something to discuss.”
While retiring from international duty might initially shield Paredes from punishment for violent conduct, FIFA retains the right to apply Article 70, which allows for sanctions to be extended worldwide. This was notably enforced in the case of Luis Suarez, who was banned from all football activities for four months after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
Such interventions, however, are typically reserved for the most severe disciplinary cases, making it unlikely that Paredes’ situation meets that threshold.
FIFA has yet to reach a final decision regarding Paredes. Although a nine-match ban remains a theoretical possibility based on previous disciplinary precedents, the most probable outcome is a suspension spanning five or six matches.
Argentina star Nahuel Molina is also under investigation after being charged with two acts of aggression following the final—one completed and one attempted—while Argentina’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces a separate aggression charge that could also lead to suspension.
Additionally, FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) concerning alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, breaches of match protocols and security, delayed match starts, inappropriate messages displayed by players and fans, and the throwing of objects.
If these violations are confirmed, the AFA could face hefty financial penalties and, in the most severe scenario, partial or full stadium closures for upcoming home fixtures.
