Argentina star hit with one of the biggest bans in World Cup history
Argentina's Leandro Paredes is banned from playing for his country for 10 games after striking Spanish opponents after the final whistle in the World Cup final.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes has been banned from playing for his national team for 10 matches, and he joins defenders Nahuel Molina, who received a seven-match ban, and Thiago Almada, who is suspended for one game. The severe punishment essentially strips Paredes of a year of national representation in Argentina's calendar, which includes 10 games through June 2027. FIFA imposed fines totaling $US120,000 ($AU168,000) on Paredes and Molina, and $US30,000 for Almada.
The bans for the three Argentine players stem from incidents involving physical confrontations with Spanish players following Argentina's World Cup final defeat. One of the most notable incidents involved Paredes grabbing Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground. FIFA has also imposed fines on Argentina's coach, Roberto Ayala, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for various infractions during the World Cup, including using a political banner and making discriminatory chants.
The AFA has been ordered to spend $US100,000 on anti-racism projects. Argentina earned $US34 million in World Cup prize money from FIFA.
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