Leandro Paredes returned to speak with the media after Boca Juniors' 1-0 victory against Lanús in the seventh round of the 2026 Clausura Tournament. In addition to analyzing his return to the team, the midfielder addressed a situation that has him as the protagonist: the 10-match suspension he received from FIFA.
When asked about the punishment, the midfielder was blunt: “I think it’s excessive.”
Paredes also compared his sanction to that received by Gavi, the Spanish player involved in the incident that occurred after the World Cup final. “What’s strange is that Gavi got one and he’s the one who punched me in the chest. But well, it’s done. Now we have to appeal and see if they can reduce the sanction and nothing more,” he expressed.
The Boca captain remains hopeful that the appeal submitted could change the penalty: “I think so, because, I repeat: for me it’s excessive. But well, there are people working on that and hopefully it can be reduced.”
What sanction did Leandro Paredes receive
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the sanctions resulting from the incidents recorded after the 2026 World Cup final, held in New Jersey, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
Paredes received the harshest punishment among Argentine players: 10 matches suspension and a fine of USD 90,000.
