Leandro Paredes has been charged by FIFA with three counts of violent conduct after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, yet the Boca Juniors midfielder could still escape a ban.
Paredes was at the centre of ugly scenes after the full-time whistle, kicking and shoving Spain's Eric Garcia before jabbing the defender in the throat. He then grabbed Gavi and threw the Spanish youngster to the turf.
Three charges, potential nine-match ban
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, each act of aggression carries a minimum three-match suspension. A guilty verdict on all three counts would leave Paredes facing a nine-game ban.
The 32-year-old has, however, hinted at international retirement, which could allow him to avoid any suspension altogether. Asked about his national team future days after the final, Paredes 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 could still extend sanction worldwide
International retirement would initially help Paredes sidestep a punishment, but FIFA can invoke Article 70 to make a sanction worldwide. That mechanism was used when Luis Suarez was banned from all football-related activities for four months after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.
Such intervention is usually reserved for the most serious disciplinary cases, making it unlikely to apply here. FIFA has not yet issued a final verdict, and while a nine-match ban remains a theoretical possibility, a suspension of five or six matches appears the most likely outcome.
Molina, Ayala and AFA also under scrutiny
Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has also been charged after the final, facing two acts of aggression - one completed and one attempted. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is the subject of a separate aggression charge that could also lead to a suspension.
FIFA has 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 substantial financial penalty and, in the most serious scenario, partial or full stadium closures for future home matches.
