Leandro Paredes can avoid FIFA punishment for World Cup final actions via loophole

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes could avoid a FIFA ban despite being charged with three counts of assaulting another player after the World Cup final, it has emerged.

Paredes was at the centre of a number of unsavoury incidents following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain after extra time in New Jersey.

He grabbed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat, before wrestling La Roja midfielder Gavi to the ground after a brief tussle.

Argentine team-mate Thiago Almada assisted Paredes in the incident involving Gavi, and the pair are among several to have been charged by FIFA following a disciplinary investigation.

Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina has been charged with two counts of assault - one completed, one suspended - and a charge of unsporting behaviour, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala has been charged with one count of assault.

Almada and Gavi, meanwhile, have both been charged with unsporting behaviour.

Paredes, though, is facing the most serious punishment, having been hit with three charges relating to assault.

READ MORE: The six Argentina players that could be banned for next World Cup as FIFA issue statement

FIFA's Disciplinary Code states that players will receive a minimum suspension of three matches for offences ranging from violent conduct to 'assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponent or person other than a match official'.

Paredes, therefore, is facing the prospect of a minimum nine-match ban imposed on him by FIFA should he be found guilty of all charges.

But the 32-year-old midfielder has hinted that he may retire from international football following the World Cup final - which would effectively void any international sanction.

FIFA can apply the suspension to span across worldwide footballing activities, but such a decision is rare.

Paredes' list of misdemeanours do not feature among Article 70 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code, which determines whether a suspension is applied worldwide - though the Article states that the infringements are 'in particular but not limited to'.

The opening part of the Article reads: "If the infringement is serious, in particular but not limited to discrimination, manipulation of football matches and competitions, misconduct against match officials, or forgery and falsification, as well as sexual abuse or harassment, the member associations, confederations, and other organising sports bodies shall request that the Disciplinary Committee extend the sanctions they have imposed so as to have worldwide effect (worldwide extension)."

There are exceptions to that list, with FIFA applying Luis Suarez's ban worldwide after he bit Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup group stage match between Uruguay and Italy in 2014.

What Paredes has said about World Cup final

In an initial statement posted after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain, Paredes didn't address the post-match chaos but instead praised his team-mates and the nation's supporters, writing on Instagram: "It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history!!"

While that comment appeared to indicate he would be considering his international future, the 32-year-old then confirmed to reporters upon his return to club side Boca Juniors that he was uncertain over what to do next.

READ MORE: Leandro Paredes makes statement on Argentina future after ugly World Cup final scenes

"It's been a magnificent journey," he said. "It will be very difficult to maintain this level and ensure that the group continues to function in this way.

"Decisions must be made calmly. I don't yet know if I'm fit enough to continue. It's a process that needs to be digested and carefully considered."