Leandro Paredes handed 10-game ban over behavior during World Cup final
Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match ban for his part in the brawl that followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. FIFA’s disciplinary committee also fined the midfielder $90,000 (£66,000).
Leandro Paredes, an Argentine defender, has been banned for 10 matches and fined $90,000 (£66,000) following his involvement in a brawl that erupted after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. His teammate Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and the same fine. Thiago Almada, who played for Argentina in the final, was suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
Spain's Gavi also received a one-match ban. Spain's coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined the same amount. The bans are only applicable to international fixtures, which severely impacts Paredes as he will miss a significant portion of Argentina's upcoming matches. The federation of Argentina Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for showing a banner supporting Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (also known as Las Malvinas) after their semi-final win against England.
Alongside this, the AFA has been ordered to reduce its stadium capacity to 50% for its next home match, with the restriction potentially extended. FIFA has allocated $100,000 of the fine to be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. Both Paredes and Molina will appeal the decision, which will allow them time to strategize their next steps.
The incident has been widely criticized by football pundits and media, with some calling for stricter punishments to be enforced in the future.
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