Paredes Calls 10-Match FIFA Ban ‘Excessive’ After World Cup Final Clash
BUENOS AIRES:
The Boca Juniors midfielder also questioned the disparity between his sanction and the one handed to Spain midfielder Gavi, who received a one-match ban over the same incident.
Speaking after Boca Juniors' match against Lanus, Paredes expressed his frustration with the length of his suspension.
“I think it is excessive,” Paredes said, while pointing to what he considered an inconsistency in FIFA's disciplinary decisions.
He also referred to Gavi's punishment, claiming that the Spanish midfielder had struck him in the chest during the confrontation.
FIFA hands down multiple suspensions
FIFA imposed lengthy sanctions on several members of the Argentina delegation following the post-match confrontation.
Paredes received the most severe punishment, with a 10-match suspension. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches, while midfielder Thiago Almada received a two-match suspension.
Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's staff, was also handed a three-match ban.
The disciplinary measures were issued in connection with the incidents that followed the World Cup final.
Financial penalties accompany bans
The sanctions also include substantial financial penalties.
Paredes and Molina were each fined $90,000, while three other members of the Argentina delegation were ordered to pay $30,000 each.
The combination of lengthy suspensions and financial penalties has added further controversy to an already heated disciplinary case.
Paredes questions consistency
Paredes' main objection centres on the difference between his punishment and Gavi's one-match suspension.
The Argentine midfielder argued that the disparity was difficult to understand, particularly given his allegation that Gavi had punched him in the chest during the confrontation.
While Paredes accepted that disciplinary action could be expected following the incident, he believes the punishment imposed on him was disproportionate.
The 10-match suspension could keep the Boca Juniors midfielder out of a significant number of Argentina's upcoming competitive fixtures, making the FIFA decision an important issue for both the player and the national team.
The contrasting sanctions have also prompted renewed debate over how FIFA applies its disciplinary rules to incidents involving players from different teams.

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