Leandro Paredes has finally spoken out about the tough disciplinary action imposed by FIFA after the chaotic end to the World Cup final, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time through a Ferran Torres goal. The Argentine midfielder, now playing for Boca Juniors, was handed a major suspension for his involvement in the post-match clashes.

Paredes attacks disciplinary committee ruling

Argentina international Paredes has criticised the FIFA Disciplinary Committee after being given a huge 10-match ban for his behaviour during the World Cup final against Spain. The experienced midfielder was centrally involved in a number of unpleasant incidents that overshadowed the tournament’s biggest match, particularly in confrontations involving several Spain players.

Speaking after a domestic fixture for Boca Juniors this weekend, Paredes said he could not believe how severe the punishment was. “It seems exaggerated. The strange thing is also that Gavi was given one, who is the one who gives me the punch in the chest... but that’s it. Now we have to appeal the sanction, the people who know about these things will see if they can overturn it. For me, it’s excessive, and I think it can be reduced,” Paredes said.

Heavy punishments across the Albiceleste squad

Paredes was not the only Argentina player punished by the disciplinary panel, although his 10-match ban was the harshest. FIFA also gave Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension for an unprovoked attack on Rodri in the closing stages of the final.

From the Spain side, Barcelona midfielder Gavi was the only player banned, with a one-match suspension. That came after he stepped in to defend team-mate Eric Garcia, who had also been pushed by Paredes. The clear difference in the length of the suspensions has evidently caused frustration in the Argentina camp, prompting claims of bias.

AFA to appeal as FIFA imposes heavy fines

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has already made clear that it plans to challenge these decisions on behalf of both its players and the federation itself. Alongside the player suspensions, the AFA has also been fined €275,000 ($321,000) for multiple breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the tournament.

The most notable of those breaches came after Argentina’s semi-final win over England, when senior players including Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martinez triggered major controversy by holding up a banner claiming Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands during the post-match celebrations.

AFA finds friendly loophole for bans while preparing CAS appeal

The AFA has managed to secure a tactical loophole from FIFA to reduce the practical impact of the heavy suspensions given to Paredes and Molina. After making a formal request, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee approved the AFA’s proposal to let the players serve their bans during upcoming Class A friendlies, instead of only in official competitive matches.

Even after gaining that strategic benefit, the AFA said it is still getting ready to challenge the punishments further. The association is currently waiting for FIFA’s full written explanation so it can file formal appeals with both the FIFA Appeals Committee and, if required, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).