Argentina’s future planning has been interrupted by a disciplinary fight, with Leandro Paredes facing a 10-match international ban after the disturbances surrounding the 2026 World Cup final.
The Boca Juniors midfielder, now 32, has received firm backing from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni as the federation attempts to reduce the punishment through an appeal to FIFA.
Quick facts
- Leandro Paredes was handed a 10-match suspension following incidents at the 2026 World Cup final.
- The Argentine Football Association has formally asked FIFA to cut the ban to three matches.
- The appeal was signed by AFA legal adviser Andrés Paton Urich and sports-law specialist Ariel Reck.
- A decision is expected within 20 to 25 days.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insists Paredes remains central to the national-team picture.
Argentina’s legal department has submitted the case to FIFA while the squad’s immediate attention turns towards upcoming friendly matches. The federation is seeking the minimum sanction available in such a case: a three-game ban rather than the original 10.
The appeal was prepared by Andrés Paton Urich, the AFA’s legal adviser, alongside Ariel Reck, a lawyer specialising in sports law. Argentina must now wait between 20 and 25 days for FIFA’s response.
Paredes and Scaloni have both indicated that the midfielder’s international career is not over. The former Ligue 1 player, who played for Paris Saint-Germain between 2019 and 2023, remains an experienced figure in Argentina’s dressing room despite his current club return with Boca.
Scaloni left little doubt over his view of the situation when asked about Paredes at a press conference. “How could he not be part of the national team?” the coach said. “He is a legendary player and, above all, we care about him a great deal.”
The length of any reduced ban will shape Argentina’s options in the next international windows. For now, the case sits with FIFA, and Paredes’ place in the Albiceleste remains dependent on a decision expected later this month.
