FIFA adjusts bans for Argentine players after federation request

ZURICH — FIFA has modified the enforcement of match bans imposed last week on three Argentine national team players, following a request from the Argentine Football Association. The suspensions handed to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada will now be served only in Category A friendly matches and official competitions organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). Under the revised arrangement, the bans will be completed over a shorter period and will not apply to Argentina's matches in FIFA-organized tournaments, according to the ruling. Earlier, FIFA had sanctioned Paredes with a 10-match ban, Molina with a seven-match ban and Almada with a one-match ban in connection with incidents that followed Argentina's defeat to Spain in a World Cup final. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also received a three-match suspension. The Argentine Football Association said it will continue to appeal the sanctions, which include financial penalties and restrictions on fans attending home matches of the national team.