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AFA deems FIFA sanctions on Argentine players 'exaggerated'
🇨🇱 Chile /Sports

AFA deems FIFA sanctions on Argentine players 'exaggerated'

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • The Argentine Football Association (AFA) considers FIFA's sanctions against players and staff "exaggerated."
  • The AFA plans to appeal the suspensions, citing a precedent where Lionel Messi's ban was reduced.
  • Players suspended for official matches can still play in friendlies and the Copa América.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has declared FIFA's sanctions against players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, "exaggerated." These penalties stem from incidents following the 2026 World Cup final. The AFA intends to appeal the decisions, seeking a moderation of the punishments.

We consider the sanctions to be exaggerated and we will seek for them to be moderated.

— Andrés Paton UrichThe AFA's legal advisor stated the association's view on FIFA's penalties.

Andrés Paton Urich, the AFA's legal advisor, expressed optimism about the appeal process. He referenced a past instance where Lionel Messi received a four-match ban during World Cup qualifiers, which was later reduced to zero by an appeals tribunal. Paton Urich clarified that the current suspensions apply only to official FIFA matches, meaning the affected individuals can still participate in friendly games and the Copa América.

We have a recent precedent when they gave four matches to (Lionel) Messi in the 2018 Qualifiers and the appeals tribunal reduced them to zero.

— Andrés Paton UrichThe legal advisor cited a past case to support the AFA's appeal efforts.

In addition to player suspensions, the AFA faces a $321,000 fine for various incidents during the World Cup, including matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain. The association must also reduce stadium capacity by 50% for its next two home games. Paton Urich acknowledged FIFA and CONMEBOL's zero-tolerance policy on discriminatory conduct, stressing the need for appropriate and respectful behavior at matches. He highlighted this as a crucial moment to educate fans about enjoying football responsibly, warning that certain chants could lead to sanctions.

FIFA and CONMEBOL have zero tolerance for discriminatory conduct and we must understand that we must behave appropriately and with respect when we go to the pitch.

— Andrés Paton UrichThe advisor commented on the governing bodies' stance on fan behavior.

The AFA announced that the seats affected by the capacity reduction will be offered free of charge to "charitable organizations or children." The legal advisor confirmed the AFA's statement that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) as a final recourse to lessen the penalties imposed on the institution.

This is a great moment to raise awareness for people to go to the pitch to enjoy football.

— Andrés Paton UrichThe advisor emphasized the importance of fan conduct.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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