Leandro Paredes disciplinary controversy

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has faced increasing disciplinary scrutiny following controversial conduct during the World Cup final. While playing for Boca Juniors in a Copa Sudamericana match against O'Higgins, Paredes received a yellow card from referee Wilmar Roldán after ignoring attempts to calm him and continuing to gesture. Following the fallout from the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, FIFA issued Paredes a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, citing three counts of assault, including reports of him grabbing an opponent by the throat. Paredes has expressed dissatisfaction with the penalty, describing it as ‘excessive’ and noting an inconsistency in disciplinary actions compared to Spanish player Gavi, who received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Paredes claimed that Gavi was the individual who struck him in the chest during the post-match altercations.

The disciplinary actions extended to other members of the Argentine squad and staff. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban, Roberto Ayala was handed a three-match suspension, and Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension. Additionally, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 for various breaches, including team misconduct and discriminatory chants. As part of the penalty, the AFA must limit stadium capacity to 50 percent for its next two home matches. The AFA has officially requested to serve the sanctions during friendly matches while awaiting full details of the decision to prepare an appeal to the FIFA Appeals Committee.

Amidst the suspension, Paredes’ international future has faced uncertainty. However, the 32-year-old Boca Juniors captain has reaffirmed his commitment to the national squad, stating he still considers himself a member of Lionel Scaloni’s team and intends to visit the training center to support teammates. He recently reiterated this stance, stating, ‘I feel like I’m part of the team; if I weren’t suspended, I’d be there.’