Paredes Questions 10-Match Ban: “Isn’t That Too Much?”

Leandro Paredes returned to action in a Boca Juniors shirt and helped his side secure a win. But after the match, much of the attention was focused on the punishment hanging over the Argentine midfielder.

Paredes has finally spoken out about the 10-match suspension handed to him by FIFA following the incident during the World Cup final against Spain. The midfielder believes the punishment is excessive, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is expected to appeal in an attempt to have the ban reduced.

Boca Juniors defeated Lanús 1-0 at La Bombonera, and speaking after the game, Paredes made it clear that he was unhappy with FIFA’s decision.

His biggest point of contention is the difference between his punishment and the suspension given to Spain’s Gavi, who was involved in the incident.

“Personally, I think the punishment is excessive. The strangest thing is that Gavi punched me in the chest, yet he received only a one-match suspension,” Paredes said.

“But what’s done is done. Now we have to appeal and see if we can get the punishment reduced.”

There was, however, some relief for Argentina amid the disciplinary news. FIFA later clarified its decision, allowing the suspended players to serve their bans during international friendly matches as well. That option was not available under the initial ruling.

As a result, Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala will be able to serve their suspensions during ‘A’ international friendly matches.

There are two FIFA international windows remaining this year. The first runs from September 21 to October 6, during which teams can play up to four friendly matches. The second window will take place from November 9 to 17, with a maximum of two matches allowed.

That means Paredes could serve up to six matches of his suspension in 2026, provided he is involved in all of Argentina’s fixtures during those windows. Any remaining matches of the ban could then carry over into the period following the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

For now, reducing the suspension remains the AFA’s main priority. Paredes is also hopeful that the appeal will lead to a lighter punishment.

“I believe it’s possible to reduce the suspension. I think it’s excessive. The people involved are already working on it, and hopefully we can get the punishment reduced,” he added.