Argentina Appeal Paredes' Lengthy Ban to FIFA

The Argentine Football Association's legal department has submitted an appeal to FIFA seeking to reduce the ban handed to midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was hit with a 10-match suspension following post-match incidents at the World Cup final, TyC Sports reports.

The step was taken after national team head coach Lionel Scaloni and the Boca Juniors midfielder confirmed he has no intention of stepping down from international duty. FIFA is expected to deliver its decision on whether to uphold the appeal within the next three weeks. When recently asked if Paredes remained in his plans despite the lengthy sanction, Scaloni stated: "How could he not be in the squad? He is a legendary player, and we owe him a great deal."