Paredes calls 10-match FIFA ban excessive and blames Gavi for chest punch

Leandro Paredes has reignited the controversy surrounding the incidents that marred the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The Argentine midfielder, handed a ten-match suspension by FIFA, described the punishment as excessive and blamed Gavi for the chest punch that sparked the clashes after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory.

• Paredes considers his ten-match FIFA suspension disproportionate.
• The Argentine player accuses Gavi of striking him in the chest.
• The AFA is preparing an appeal and Paredes expects the ban to be reduced.
• FIFA will allow suspensions to be served in category A international friendlies.

What Paredes said after Boca Juniors beat Lanus

The comments came after Boca Juniors' 1-0 win over Lanus in the seventh round of the Argentine Clausura tournament. Speaking to reporters, Paredes made no secret of his frustration and questioned the different treatment given to the Spanish international: "It seems exaggerated to me. The strange thing is that Gavi got one and he is the one who punched me in the chest".

It seems exaggerated to me. The strange thing is that Gavi got one and he is the one who punched me in the chest.

In addition to the suspension, the midfielder must pay a fine of 90,000 dollars. Despite the setback, he was optimistic about the Argentine Football Association's room for manoeuvre: "Now we just have to appeal, see if we can reduce the sanction and that's it. I think it can be reduced because it is excessive", he added.

How the incidents unfolded after the 2026 World Cup final

The title match was decided in extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, several scuffles broke out on the pitch. Paredes and Thiago Almada showed unsporting conduct towards Eric Garcia. When Gavi came to defend his teammate, he was knocked down by the Argentine players.

While Rodri Hernandez was running to celebrate the championship, Nahuel Molina punched him in the torso. Roberto Ayala, a member of Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff, struck Dani Olmo in another of the altercations that FIFA later reviewed using footage and match reports.

The sanctions FIFA handed down to Argentina and Spain

The world governing body did not only punish Paredes. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a fine of 90,000 dollars. Thiago Almada was banned for one game, while Roberto Ayala must serve a three-match touchline suspension.

On the Spanish side, Gavi was suspended for one match and ordered to pay 30,000 dollars. That difference in treatment is exactly what Paredes considers unfair, as he maintains that the Barcelona player was the first to strike him during the melee.

What steps the AFA will take in its appeal

The AFA is waiting to receive the full grounds for the decisions before filing appeals with the FIFA Appeals Committee. If the federative route fails, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would remain as a final option for the Argentine footballers.

This week brought an important development for Argentina's interests: FIFA accepted the AFA's request to allow those sanctioned to begin serving their punishments in category A international friendlies, rather than only in official matches.

How the change affects Argentina's upcoming fixtures

The modification approved by FIFA is a relief for the Argentine national team. The sanctioned players will be able to start serving their suspensions in international friendly matches, reducing the impact of the bans on official fixtures.

Argentina has two international matches scheduled before the end of 2026, due to take place in September or October and November. Those games could allow Paredes, Molina and Almada to begin reducing their suspensions before returning to official competition.