Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa banned for Copa match against USA

CONMEBOL has suspended Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa for the group final of the 2024 Copa América against the USA.

The suspension is a result of Uruguay arriving late for kick-off in their 5-0 win over Bolivia on Thursday. Copa América regulations state that “teams must strictly adhere to the timetable established for the start of matches” and that “the coach of the team concerned will be held responsible in all cases for any infringement”.

The first violation results in a warning, the second in a suspension for the coach. The Uruguayan Football Association was also fined $15,000.

CONMEBOL is cracking down on teams that delay the restart of matches during the Copa América.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Chile coach Ricardo Gareca were both suspended earlier in the tournament for their teams arriving late on the field. Venezuela coach Fernando Batista is suspended for his team’s group final against Jamaica on Sunday for the same violation.

A draw against the United States on Monday in Kansas City, Missouri, would guarantee Uruguay a place in the knockout rounds of the Copa America as winners of Group C.

The USMNT is in a more precarious position after losing to Panama on Thursday. The Americans could advance to the knockout rounds with any result, depending on what happens in the Panama-Bolivia match taking place at the same time. Even with a win over Uruguay, they could miss out if Panama beats Bolivia to even the goal difference tiebreaker.

“We have to go out there and represent our country with passion and pride,” US captain Christian Pulisic said after Thursday’s loss to Panama. “We have to go out there and play the best game of our lives and that’s all. We want to go out there, we want to win and we want to continue in this competition.”