Leandro Paredes has been charged with three counts of violent conduct by FIFA after the World Cup final, leaving the Argentina midfielder facing a possible nine-match suspension. The 32-year-old was involved in several unsavoury incidents following Spain's 2-1 extra-time victory over Argentina.
At the full-time whistle, Paredes kicked Eric Garcia and then hit him in the throat, before taking Gavi to the ground. Under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, each incident carries a potential three-match ban, so a guilty verdict on all three charges would total nine games.
However, Paredes has hinted he may retire from international football, which could make any ban irrelevant. Asked about his national-team future several days after the final, he said: "I don't know. It's a process: you have to digest it, think it through, avoid making rushed decisions, and it's certainly something that needs to be discussed."
FIFA's global sanction powers
Even if Paredes steps away from international duty, FIFA retains the power under Article 70 to apply any ban worldwide. That mechanism was used when Luis Suarez was suspended from all football-related activity for four months after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. Such intervention is normally reserved for the most severe disciplinary matters, making it unlikely in Paredes' case.
FIFA has yet to deliver a final ruling. While a nine-game ban remains a theoretical possibility based on prior disciplinary precedents, a suspension of five or six matches appears the most probable outcome.
Other Argentina figures under scrutiny
Argentina's Nahuel Molina is also under investigation after being charged with two acts of aggression after the final - one completed and one attempted. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces a separate aggression charge that could also result in a ban.
FIFA has additionally opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, failures to comply with match and security protocols, delays to kick-off, inappropriate messages displayed by players and supporters, and the throwing of objects.
If those violations are confirmed, the AFA could face a considerable financial penalty and, in the most serious scenario, partial or full stadium closures for forthcoming home fixtures.
