Marcelo Bielsa, the Uruguayan coach, has been suspended by CONMEBOL for the team’s Copa América 2024 group stage matchup against the United States. Uruguay’s 5-0 triumph over Bolívia on Thursday was caused by their tardy arrival on the field at the beginning of the second half, which led to their suspension.
“Teams must strictly respect the schedule set for the start of the game,” according to Copa América regulations, and “the coach of the team concerned shall in all cases be held responsible” for any transgressions.
A warning is given for the first infraction, and the coach is suspended for one game for the second. Additionally, the Uruguayan Football Association was hit with a $15,000 fine. During the Copa América, CONMEBOL has been putting a stop to teams who are delaying game restarts.
Diego Reyes, the assistant coach for Uruguay, stated at a press conference that the Copa América was an extremely difficult competition in that regard. “These sanctions are never taken well because it is a negative aspect for the team. We took the necessary precautions [to avoid delays] in the last game, but there were still uncertainties that could not be resolved,” Reyes stated.
“In a dressing room during a game you know there is a lot of activity going on, and in this tournament they have been very strict with that short period of time.” Uruguay would advance to the Copa América knockout stage as Group C champions if they draw with the United States on Monday in Kansas City, Missouri.
