Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has spoken out following a 10-match ban imposed after an altercation with Spanish players at the FIFA World Cup final, describing the penalty as "excessive" and expressing hope that it will be reduced on appeal.

The sanctions stem from post-match incidents following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain, where Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC) subsequently issued penalties against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as well as multiple players and team officials.

Speaking after a match with Boca Juniors over the weekend, Paredes pointed out a disparity in the disciplinary action, stating that Spanish player Gavi received only a one-match suspension despite striking him.

"It seems exaggerated. The strange thing is also that Gavi was given one, who is the one who gave me the punch in the chest... but hey, that is it. Now we have to appeal the sanction, the people who know about these things will see if they can overturn it. For me, it is excessive, and I think it can be reduced," Paredes said, as quoted by Goal.com.

Alongside individual player bans, FIFA fined the AFA USD 321,000 for several breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. These included team misconduct, failing to maintain security, using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations, and incidents involving discriminatory chants and gestures from supporters.

Due to the discrimination violations, the AFA has also been ordered to cap stadium capacity at 50 per cent for its next two home fixtures. Additionally, FIFA specified that USD 100,000 of the total fine must be directed toward anti-discrimination initiatives. Part of these penalties—specifically one stadium restriction and USD 100,000 of the fine—has been suspended under a probationary period.

Following an investigation by the Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor into the World Cup final, FIFA issued the following individual sanctions:

  • Leandro Paredes: 10-match suspension and a USD 90,000 fine.

  • Nahuel Molina: 7-match suspension and a USD 90,000 fine.

  • Roberto Ayala (Team Official): 3-match suspension and a USD 30,000 fine.

  • Thiago Almada: 1-match suspension and a USD 30,000 fine.

  • Gavi (Pablo Martín Páez Gavira): 1-match suspension and a USD 30,000 fine.

Under Article 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, all match suspensions will apply to the respective national teams' upcoming official fixtures.

Parties were formally notified of the verdicts on Thursday and have been given 10 days to request a detailed reasoned decision. The rulings remain subject to appeal under Article 61 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. (ANI)