The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, is backed by South American federations in his ongoing conflict with UEFA, CONCACAF, and CAF.
Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a fine of €77,600 from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for his shocking behavior during the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, where Argentina lost 0-1.
Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala also faced penalties. Molina was suspended for 7 matches, Almada for 1, and Ayala for 3.
All four were involved in a violent altercation at the end of the World Cup final, with Paredes found guilty of three charges, including punching Spanish player Gavi and throwing him to the ground.
FIFA Approves Serving Suspensions in Friendly Matches
In a significant move, FIFA has agreed to allow these players to serve their suspensions during international “Class A” friendly matches, as requested by the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).
While Argentina has not yet confirmed its upcoming match schedule, it has already secured a place in the 2030 World Cup as a co-host, thus avoiding qualification rounds. Furthermore, the next Copa America is not set to occur until 2028, and South American teams do not have qualification matches scheduled.
AFA Can Address Player Suspensions with Friendlies
This approval means that Argentina could swiftly arrange several friendly matches to allow the suspended players and their assistant coach to serve their bans. There are two international breaks this autumn, including one extended period during which teams can play up to four matches in September and October before the usual two breaks in November.
If the AFA organizes six Class A friendlies during this time, Paredes would have only four matches left to serve by 2027, while Molina would have one, and Almada could return to play by the end of September.
AFA Seeks to Reduce Penalties
Despite this development, South American officials remain dissatisfied. According to a statement released to the press on Thursday evening, they plan to appeal to have the penalties reduced: “AFA awaits written justification of the decisions to file the appropriate appeals with FIFA’s Appeals Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) being the final avenue for recourse.”
The Argentinian federation was among the first to defend FIFA President Infantino when UEFA, CONCACAF, and CAF criticized him for his plan to sell 20 percent of the marketing rights of FIFA-organized competitions to a private investor. South American countries have also expressed their support for Infantino in the presidential elections scheduled for March 2027.
