FIFA Allows Argentina's Suspended Players to Serve Bans in Friendly Matches

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has received positive news from FIFA, with the Disciplinary Committee agreeing to a request that will allow suspended players to serve their penalties in friendly matches.

This decision means coach Lionel Scaloni can reintegrate crucial players, including Leandro Paredes, who received a 10-match ban, Nahuel Molina, suspended for seven games, and Thiago Almada, who missed one match. The AFA had formally requested that these players be allowed to fulfill their suspensions during "Class A" friendly internationals.

“

In view of the submitted document, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee considers that, in accordance with current regulations, this request has been approved.

In an official statement, the AFA confirmed FIFA's approval, noting that the Disciplinary Committee found the request to be in accordance with current regulations. This resolution offers a quicker path for the players' return to competitive action.

Despite this favorable outcome regarding the timing of their return, the AFA indicated its intention to continue pursuing legal challenges to further reduce the players' existing bans. The association is awaiting the full reasoning behind FIFA's decision to file appeals with the FIFA Appeals Committee and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as a final recourse.

“

The AFA is awaiting the grounds for appeal in order to file the corresponding appeals with the FIFA Appeals Committee, with TAS eventually as the last resort.