The World Cup final was already over. The trophy had changed hands, but the drama refused to leave the stadium. Now, FIFA’s punishment has added another chapter… with Leandro Paredes making it clear that he is far from satisfied.
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Paredes has been handed a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine for his role in the post-match confrontation between Argentina and Spain. But rather than quietly accept the punishment, the Argentine midfielder has questioned whether FIFA treated both sides equally.
“Yes, we can see the favoritism given to the Spanish players by the officials and FIFA,” Paredes said in an interview. “I get 10 games ban and $90,000 after I defended myself. It’s obvious they didn’t care to know what the guy said to me but are interested in how I reacted.”
His frustration stems from the confrontation that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. In the aftermath, Paredes confronted Eric Garcia before becoming involved with Gavi as tensions quickly escalated.
The entire incident lasted only moments, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee viewed Paredes’ actions seriously enough to hand him the heaviest punishment among the players involved. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, while Thiago Almada was banned for one match and fined $30,000.
Spain’s Gavi was also punished with a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match ban and the same financial penalty after his involvement in the confrontation.
For Paredes, though, the disparity remains difficult to accept.
“Well, if reverse was the case, everyone will say FIFA is helping Argentina but they are all mute now,” he added. “Argentina remains the best team in the world with our captain Leo.”
The sanctions go beyond individual players. FIFA also punished the Argentine Football Association with a $321,000 fine for several disciplinary breaches, including a controversial Falkland Islands banner displayed after Argentina’s semifinal victory over England.
The governing body also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches at 50% capacity, although one of those restrictions has been suspended. Part of the financial penalty will also be directed toward an anti-discrimination initiative.
However, the AFA has already made its position clear: it intends to appeal the sanctions. If that effort fails, the association could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
For now, however, the 10-match suspension leaves Paredes facing a lengthy spell away from the Argentina setup. The ban applies to international fixtures, meaning one of the team’s experienced midfielders could miss a significant portion of the national team’s upcoming schedule.
FIFA’s decision came after a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor was appointed to examine the scenes following the final whistle. The governing body ultimately determined that multiple Argentina players and staff members had crossed the line.
Yet Paredes appears to believe the story has been told from only one side.
His comments have turned what began as a brief post-match confrontation into a broader argument over how FIFA handles disciplinary matters. For Argentina, the appeal process now offers a chance to challenge the severity of the punishment.
Until then, Paredes is standing by his version of events… and making sure the frustration behind his 10-match ban is heard just as loudly as FIFA’s decision.