According to Goal.com, tensions between Argentina and Spain following the 2026 World Cup final have continued to escalate. FIFA initially handed Paredes a 10-match ban, but a subsequent appeal may result in a reduced suspension.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Paredes called the penalty "excessive" and stated that the Argentine Football Association has appealed to reduce the number of suspended matches. He also expressed surprise that Gavi was the only Spanish player punished, saying: "He punched me in the chest, but it doesn't matter, that's how it happened."

Paredes was fined €78,000, while Argentine players Nahuel Molina was suspended for 7 matches, technical staff member Roberto Ayala for 3 matches, and Thiago Almada for 1 match. Each of the three was fined €27,000.

The penalties were not limited to players and staff; FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association €270,000 for a political banner that fans brought into the stadium and that some players held up during celebrations.

However, Argentina's appeal yielded a positive outcome. FIFA has allowed suspensions to be served in friendly matches, which significantly reduces the number of official matches the sanctioned players will miss.

As a result, Paredes and Molina will not play for Argentina for the remainder of 2026, but the new ruling gives the coaching staff an opportunity to reintegrate them into official matches more quickly.

Nevertheless, Paredes's absence will still be prolonged. Available information indicates that his return to the national team will not come until the international break in September–October 2027 at the earliest, meaning he could be sidelined from the Argentina squad for over a year. At that time, the Argentine team will be preparing for an important rebuilding phase and determining the future of several key players.

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