Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes might avoid a FIFA suspension despite facing three separate charges for assaulting opponents following the World Cup final, reports reveal.
Paredes found himself deeply involved in multiple ugly altercations in New Jersey after Argentina suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain. He seized Spanish defender Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling La Roja midfielder Gavi to the turf following a short scuffle.
His international teammate Thiago Almada aided Paredes during the altercation involving Gavi, leading to both players being charged by FIFA as part of a broader disciplinary investigation.
Argentine full-back Nahuel Molina faces charges for two counts of assault—one completed and one suspended—along with a charge of unsporting behavior, whereas assistant manager Roberto Ayala has been charged with a single count of assault.
Meanwhile, both Almada and Gavi have been charged with unsporting behavior.
However, Paredes is staring down the harshest penalty after being hit with three distinct assault charges.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Code specifies a minimum ban of three games for infractions spanning violent play to “assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponent or person other than a match official”.
Consequently, Paredes could face a minimum nine-game ban handed down by FIFA if he is found guilty across all counts.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old midfielder has suggested he might step away from international duty following the World Cup final, which would effectively render any international sanction moot.
While FIFA possesses the authority to extend a suspension across all global football activities, taking such measures remains uncommon.
Paredes’ list of infractions does not explicitly appear under Article 70 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, which dictates whether a sanction applies globally—even though the Article notes that such breaches are “in particular but not limited to”.
The introductory section of the Article states: “If the infringement is serious, in particular but not limited to discrimination, manipulation of football matches and competitions, misconduct against match officials, or forgery and falsification, as well as sexual abuse or harassment, the member associations, confederations, and other organising sports bodies shall request that the Disciplinary Committee extend the sanctions they have imposed so as to have worldwide effect (worldwide extension).”
Precedents exist for expanding that scope, such as when FIFA issued a global ban to Luis Suarez following his bite on Giorgio Chiellini in a 2014 World Cup group fixture between Uruguay and Italy.
What Paredes has said about World Cup final
In an initial statement shared following Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain, Paredes bypassed the post-game skirmishes to commend his squad and country’s supporters, writing on Instagram: “It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history!!”
Although that message seemed to hint he was evaluating his international career, the 32-year-old subsequently acknowledged to journalists upon returning to club side Boca Juniors that he remains undecided about his next steps.
“It’s been a magnificent journey,” he said. “It will be very difficult to maintain this level and ensure that the group continues to function in this way.”
“Decisions must be made calmly. I don’t yet know if I’m fit enough to continue. It’s a process that needs to be digested and carefully considered.
