The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA’s appeals committee upheld the severe sanctions against midfielder Leandro Paredes. The governing body’s decision maintains Paredes’ ten-match ban and a $321,000 fine levied against the national federation, stemming from the violent confrontation at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final. Although the committee reduced the suspension for defender Nahuel Molina, the AFA insists it possesses sufficient legal grounds to overturn the remaining punishments, signaling a prolonged legal battle over the incident that occurred almost four months ago.
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The disciplinary action originated from the chaotic scenes following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in East Rutherford. Paredes, who faced the most charges of any individual involved, was caught on camera throwing Eric Garcia to the ground, grabbing him by the throat, and subsequently flooring Gavi. FIFA’s initial proceedings also targeted Molina, Thiago Almada, assistant coach Roberto Ayala, and Spain’s Gavi, highlighting the widespread nature of the post-match altercation. The AFA’s decision to escalate the matter to CAS underscores their refusal to accept the current penalties, arguing that the sanctions are disproportionate to the actions taken.
This legal maneuver marks a critical turning point in the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final, where sportsmanship broke down in favor of intense frustration. By taking the case to CAS, the AFA aims to challenge the severity of the fines and bans, potentially setting a new precedent for post-match conduct in international football. While the reduction of Molina’s suspension offers a minor concession, the core dispute over Paredes’ ban remains unresolved, leaving fans and analysts to watch closely as the Court of Arbitration for Sport prepares to hear arguments from both sides.
Source: Yahoo Sports
