Argentina to appeal FIFA bans after World Cup final

Argentina’s football federation is set to challenge FIFA’s disciplinary sanctions after the World Cup final, with Leandro Paredes facing the heaviest punishment following the post-match disorder against Spain.

FIFA sanctions trigger AFA response

According to the source material, the Argentine Football Association plans to file an appeal in what has been described as a “record-short time” after FIFA imposed a 10-match suspension on Paredes. Nahuel Molina has also been banned for seven matches, while Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension.

The sanctions stem from the aftermath of Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, where Lionel Scaloni’s side finished as runners-up. After the final whistle, a major confrontation broke out. Paredes was punished for grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and throwing Gavi to the ground.

The report also states that AFA intends to take the case to FIFA’s Appeal Committee and, if necessary, to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Details of the punishments

Paredes’ suspension is accompanied by a fine of 90,000 dollars. Molina was given the same financial penalty alongside his seven-match ban. Almada must serve a one-match suspension and pay 30,000 dollars.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned, receiving a three-match ban and a 30,000-dollar fine. However, the source states that AFA can only appeal the punishments handed to Paredes and Molina, not those imposed on Almada and Ayala.

• Leandro Paredes: 10-match ban and 90,000-dollar fine
• Nahuel Molina: 7-match ban and 90,000-dollar fine
• Thiago Almada: 1-match ban and 30,000-dollar fine
• Roberto Ayala: 3-match ban and 30,000-dollar fine

AFA calls sanctions excessive

AFA’s legal adviser Andres Paton Urich said the federation would contest the ruling, arguing that the punishment was unfair and excessive. The federation’s position is that it will seek the reasoning behind the sanctions before formally asking for them to be reduced through the appeals process.

That response underlines how seriously the federation views the case, particularly in relation to Paredes and Molina. The speed of the planned appeal suggests Argentina wants clarity well before its next run of international fixtures.

What it could mean for Argentina and Paredes

The source notes that Argentina currently has no matches scheduled for the rest of the year, although it could play six in total, including four around September and October and two in November. AFA believes the suspensions could be served in friendly matches, which would lessen the impact on competitive fixtures. In the worst-case scenario outlined in the report, Almada and Paredes could miss several matches in qualification for the 2030 World Cup.

There is also uncertainty around Paredes’ international future. The Boca Juniors midfielder admitted he is unsure whether he will continue with the national team after the tournament, saying the situation requires time and reflection and that it will be difficult for many within the squad to move forward without careful thought.

Paredes has made 84 appearances for Argentina, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. His comments add another layer to a story that has already become one of the major fallouts from the World Cup final.