’10 matches? Excessive!’ Paredes launches furious response as FIFA punishment rocks Spain
· Yahoo Sports
Leandro Paredes has hit back at FIFA after being handed a 10-match suspension for his role in the chaotic scenes following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The Boca Juniors midfielder has described the punishment as ‘excessive’ and confirmed that Argentina will appeal the decision.
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Spain lifted the World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. However, the final was overshadowed by a series of altercations between players after the final whistle.
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty ImagesLeandro Paredes calls FIFA ban ‘excessive’ after World Cup final
Paredes was at the centre of the post-match confrontation and received the heaviest punishment from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina was also suspended, receiving a seven-match ban for an attack on Rodri during the closing stages of the final.
Speaking after a domestic match with Boca Juniors, Paredes made it clear that he disagrees with the severity of his punishment.
‘It seems exaggerated. The strange thing is also that Gavi was given one, who is the one who gives me the punch in the chest… but hey, that’s 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’s excessive, and I think it can be reduced,’ Paredes said.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi was given a one-match suspension after intervening to defend team-mate Eric Garcia, who had also been shoved by Paredes.
That difference has caused frustration within the Argentina camp, particularly given the length of Paredes’ ban compared with the Spanish midfielder’s punishment.
The Argentine Football Association has already indicated that it plans to challenge the sanctions.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty ImagesAlongside the player suspensions, the AFA was fined €275,000 ($321,000) for several breaches of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code during the tournament.
Argentina have also found a way to reduce the immediate impact of the bans, with FIFA approving a request for Paredes and Molina to serve their suspensions during upcoming Class A friendlies.
However, the AFA still plans to appeal through FIFA’s Appeals Committee and, if necessary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The association is waiting for FIFA’s full written justification before taking the next step.
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