According to Goal.com, the conflict between Argentina and Spain following the 2026 World Cup final continues to escalate. FIFA initially imposed a 10-match ban on Paredes, but an appeal has made it possible to shorten the suspension.
According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Paredes called the punishment "too harsh" and stated that the Argentine Football Association has appealed, hoping to reduce the number of matches suspended. He also expressed surprise that Gavi was the only Spanish player punished, saying, "He punched me in the chest, but it's okay, that's how it happened."
Paredes was fined €78,000, while Argentine player Navel Molina was suspended for 7 matches, technical staff member Roberto Ayala was suspended for 3 matches, and Thiago Almada was suspended for 1 match. All three were fined €27,000.
The punishment was not limited to the players and technical staff. FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association €270,000 for a political banner brought into the stadium by fans and held up by some players during celebrations.
However, Argentina's appeal also brought a positive change. FIFA has allowed suspensions to be carried out in friendly matches, which significantly reduces the number of official matches that punished players will miss.
Therefore, Paredes and Molina will be unable to play for Argentina for the remainder of 2026, but the new decision gives the coaching staff the opportunity to use them again in official matches in a shorter period of time.
Even so, Paredes' absence will still be long. Current information indicates that his return to the national team will not be until the international break in September or October 2027 at the earliest, meaning he may be away from the Argentine jersey for more than a year. By then, the Argentine team will be preparing to enter a crucial rebuilding phase and define the future of several key players.
