In Buenos Aires, Argentina’s post-World Cup reckoning has moved from the touchline to FIFA’s legal chambers. The Argentine Football Association has lodged an appeal seeking a sharp reduction to Leandro Paredes’ 10-match international ban after the Boca Juniors midfielder was sent into disciplinary trouble during the 2026 World Cup final.
The punishment followed confrontations involving Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi. Paredes was found to have grabbed Garcia by the neck before bringing Gavi down, with the Spanish midfielder falling to the ground during the incident.
Argentina’s federation is asking FIFA to cut the sanction to three matches, the lowest suspension available for this type of offence. The submission was signed by AFA legal adviser Andrés Patón Urich and sports lawyer Ariel Reck. A decision is expected within 20 to 25 days.
The appeal comes after both Paredes and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni indicated that the 32-year-old’s international career is not over. Scaloni made clear that he still sees a place for the veteran midfielder in the national setup, saying: “How could he not be part of the squad? He is a legendary player and, above all, we value him enormously.”
For Argentina, the outcome will determine whether a central figure of their recent international era can return quickly, or whether the fallout from the final will keep Paredes away from the national team for much longer.
