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FIFA issued sanctions to several Argentina players last week following their involvement in the violent altercation that erupted on the field after the 2026 World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the harshest penalty — a 10-match ban — which he has since described as "excessive," while also questioning the "strange" decision to discipline his Spanish counterpart, Gavi.
The 32-year-old was largely regarded as the central figure in the heated confrontation that unfolded at MetLife Stadium last month in the moments after Spain's 1–0 win. Argentina right back Nahuel Molina ignited the brawl by striking Rodri in the stomach as the Spanish star sprinted across the pitch to celebrate. Paredes then escalated matters by grabbing Spanish defender Eric García by the throat before shoving García's teammate Gavi to the ground.
Molina was handed a seven-match ban for his part in the incident, and both he and Paredes were fined $90,000. Argentina teammate Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension for pushing young Spanish player Gavi. Gavi, meanwhile, was also handed a one-match ban for his retaliatory actions.
"It seems excessive," Paredes told reporters on Thursday, speaking about his own ban. "What's also strange is that Gavi got one too, and he's the one who punched me in the chest."
Tensions flared after Spain beat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final pic.twitter.com/WRLlMWGF6W
Somewhat surprisingly, Gavi actually came to Paredes' defense in the days following the World Cup final, stating that the Argentine should not face punishment for what occurred.
"I don't think [Paredes] should be suspended," the Barcelona midfielder said. "I understand it's not a good image for children, but I think there's also that side to football, which is a bit more physical, more aggressive."
Gavi continued: "The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match, and that's it. In the end, I think it's all football, and it has to be that way."
Paredes clearly shares that view and plans to appeal FIFA's ruling. "Now the only thing left to do is appeal, see if they can reduce the penalty, and that's it," the Boca Juniors star said.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA)'s legal team is actively working toward submitting an appeal to FIFA; however, the federation announced Thursday that it had already secured one request from soccer's governing body concerning the punishments handed to Paredes & Co.
FIFA Grants Argentina's First Request
The AFA formally asked FIFA to allow Paredes and his teammates to serve their suspensions across "Class A" friendlies (international exhibition matches) and/or official matches, whichever occurs first, rather than restricting the bans exclusively to competitive fixtures.
"Based on the AFA's submission, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has deemed the request approved in accordance with current regulations," the AFA said in its statement.
Since the South American nation has already secured automatic qualification for the 2030 World Cup, their next competitive matches are not scheduled until the 2028 Copa América. As a result, Paredes, Molina and Almada will no longer be forced to miss that tournament.
The AFA still plans to push forward with the appeal, however. The federation is reportedly putting together a frame-by-frame breakdown of footage from the World Cup altercation to present before the FIFA Appeals Committee, aiming to show that the players' conduct does not warrant such lengthy bans.
"The AFA, in defense of its rights and those of its players, is awaiting the written justification for the decisions in order to file the corresponding appeals with FIFA's Appeals Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) potentially as the final recourse," the statement added.
Paredes is confident FIFA will reconsider his punishment. "I think it can be reduced," he said. "Because, as I said, I find it excessive, but then again, there are people who work in that field, and hopefully it can be reduced."