Paredes faces potential 9-match ban after post-final brawl

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes could face a major suspension following an unexpected incident after the World Cup final against Spain. FIFA is considering a nine-match ban for the 32-year-old defensive midfielder for his role in the post-match altercation. However, there may be legal loopholes for him to avoid the punishment.

On July 19, at the New Jersey Stadium, several Argentine players confronted Spanish players after the final whistle. Paredes was seen as the most aggressive, with TV footage showing him kicking and grabbing Eric García by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground. Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were also involved.

Former England striker Alan Shearer strongly condemned the incident, saying there is no place for such behaviour, regardless of the pain of defeat.

Initially, referee Slavko Vinčić was reported to have shown Paredes a direct red card, but no immediate disciplinary action was taken. FIFA has now launched a thorough investigation.

According to British media outlet The Mirror, under Article 14 of FIFA's disciplinary code, each act of violence can lead to a minimum three-match ban. With three serious charges, Paredes could face a nine-match suspension.

One way to avoid the ban would be for Paredes to retire from international football, as suspensions are not applied to players who have ended their national team careers.

However, Article 70 of the FIFA disciplinary code could be applied, leading to a global ban from all football activities, similar to the punishment given to Luis Suárez in 2014 for biting Giorgio Chiellini. Analysts believe such an extreme measure is unlikely as Paredes's offence is not considered as serious.

When asked about his international future, Paredes said he needed time to process the situation and make a decision.