Leandro Paredes Receives 10-Match Ban from FIFA Following World Cup Final Incident

Leandro Paredes of Argentina has been banned from national team play for 10 matches due to an incident involving Spanish players after the World Cup final.

Paredes was involved in a confrontation where he grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground. Alongside Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada was suspended for one match. FIFA also imposed fines totaling $US90,000 on Paredes and Molina, and $US30,000 on Almada.

This suspension effectively sidelines Paredes from the national team for a year, as the FIFA calendar includes 10 matches through June 2027. The Argentine Football Association has the option to appeal the sanctions and fines to FIFA and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.