Argentina's Football Association to Appeal FIFA Sanctions on Players

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is gearing up for a legal battle with FIFA over sanctions imposed after the World Cup final. While fines of $561,000 and a 50% stadium capacity reduction for two matches were expected, the suspensions handed to coaching staff and players have caused significant uproar within the AFA.

Leandro Paredes, a key midfielder, received a ten-match ban, which sources close to him described as "they killed him." Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala for three. The AFA views these player suspensions as unjust and excessive, particularly Paredes' ban, which stemmed from an incident after the final where he was filmed confronting a Spanish midfielder.

The AFA's legal team, led by Andrés Patón Urich, confirmed their intention to appeal. "We are going to appeal. [The sanction] is unjust and disproportionate," Urich stated, adding that they would request the grounds for the decisions and pursue the case through FIFA's appeals commission. They are also considering taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if the initial appeal fails.

While some within the AFA initially dismissed the appeal as potentially futile, the organization is determined to fight the suspensions. The fines, totaling over $561,000 including player misconduct penalties, are appealable. The AFA aims to have the sporting penalties, especially the lengthy bans for its players and staff, significantly reduced.

“

Lo mataron