The Massive FIFA Ban Leandro Paredes Could Face

Leandro ParedEses could become the Argentina player handed the most severe punishment after FIFA officially opened disciplinary proceedings over the incidents that followed the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain. The midfielder is one of the central figures in the governing body's investigation.

According to the disciplinary case, Paredes has been charged with three separate counts of aggression, placing him in the most delicate position among the players currently under investigation.

Although FIFA has yet to announce its final decision, the Argentine international is facing the possibility of one of the toughest individual sanctions to come out of the tournament.

Under FIFA's Disciplinary Code, any act of aggression against an opponent or any other person who is not a match official carries a minimum suspension of three matches for each offense.

With three separate aggression charges reportedly filed against him, Paredes could theoretically receive a suspension of up to nine matches. Based on previous disciplinary cases, however, a ban of five or six games appears to be the more realistic outcome.

Nahuel Molina is also under investigation after being charged with two acts of aggression—one completed and one attempted—while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Fabián Ayala is facing a separate aggression charge that could also result in a suspension.

The disciplinary proceedings extend beyond Paredes and Molina. Thiago Almada has reportedly been charged with unsporting conduct, an offense that carries a minimum one-match suspension under FIFA regulations. Spain midfielder Gavi is facing the same allegation.

FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over alleged discriminatory chants and gestures, failures to comply with match and security protocols, delays to kickoff, inappropriate messages displayed by players and supporters, and the throwing of objects.

If those violations are confirmed, the AFA could face a substantial financial penalty and, in the most serious scenario, partial or full stadium closures for future home matches.

At this stage, FIFA has only opened disciplinary proceedings and has not yet imposed any sporting or financial sanctions.

Both the Argentine Football Association and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) will now be allowed to submit evidence and present their responses before FIFA reaches a final decision.

Once that process is complete, the governing body will determine whether the charges are upheld and announce the sanctions resulting from one of the most controversial endings to a FIFA World Cup Final in recent memory.

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