FIFA sanctions: Argentina receives valuable relief

Argentina has just received some rather favorable news from FIFA. Sanctioned following the incidents that marred the 2026 World Cup final against Spain (0-1 after extra time), Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada will finally be able to serve part of their suspension during the Albiceleste's upcoming friendly matches.

Initially, the three players received heavy sanctions: ten matches for Leandro Paredes, seven for Nahuel Molina, and one for Thiago Almada. These penalties were handed down following the tensions and clashes that occurred after the World Cup final.

Following a complaint from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), FIFA has agreed to modify the application of these suspensions. According to TyC Sports, Category A international friendly matches can now be counted towards the required number of matches to be served.

This decision significantly changes the situation for the three Argentine internationals. With the Albiceleste no longer having any qualifying matches to play in 2026, they should take advantage of the upcoming international windows to play as many preparation games as possible.

Argentina could therefore play up to four friendly matches between September and October, then two more in November. If this schedule is fully implemented, Nahuel Molina could serve six of his seven-match suspension without missing a single official game. Thiago Almada, on the other hand, could serve his entire ban in the first friendly match.

For Leandro Paredes, whose suspension is set at ten matches, the impact would also be significant: up to six matches could be served before the end of the year.

This decision represents a significant departure from FIFA's usual practice. As a general rule, when an international suspension is not fully served during a competition, the remaining matches are carried over to the next official fixtures of the team in question.

FIFA does, however, have some discretion in applying its disciplinary decisions. The precise reasons that led the governing body to accept Argentina's request have not yet been detailed.

For its part, the AFA intends to continue its efforts. The Argentine Football Association hopes in particular to obtain a further reduction in the sanctions imposed on Paredes and Molina.

This case inevitably brings to mind the Luis Suarez precedent. After biting Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, the Uruguayan striker was suspended for nine matches with his national team, while also receiving a ban from all football-related activities for four months.

At the time, the Court of Arbitration for Sport had allowed Suarez to participate in Uruguay's friendly matches, but these matches were not counted towards his international suspension.

The Argentine case is therefore different. Paredes, Molina and Almada will be able to use the Albiceleste's friendly matches to directly reduce the length of their sanctions.

A few months after a change in the regulations which notably allowed Nicolas Otamendi not to postpone his suspension from the qualifiers until the World Cup, this new decision constitutes a considerable advantage for Argentina.

In just a few days, the sanctions announced on August 21st have lost much of their impact. And the AFA now hopes to obtain further leniency for its two most heavily sanctioned players.