Fernando Batista suspended for one game, will not coach Venezuela against Jamaica

Fernando Batista, the coach of Venezuela, has been banned for one match by CONMEBOL and will miss his country’s final Copa America group match against Jamaica.

Batista, 53, was penalized by tournament organizers for his team’s late entry onto the field during Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Mexico at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The Venezuelan Football Federation was also fined $15,000 for this violation and warned against repeat offenders.

He was punished for the same offence alongside Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni and Chilean Ricardo Gareca at this summer’s tournament.

Assistant coach Leandro Cufre will represent Batista on the sidelines during Sunday’s game at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Venezuela is at the top of Group C and has already qualified for the quarter-finals.

With a point against the already eliminated Jamaicans, they can win the group and possibly avoid Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Defending champions Argentina can secure top spot in Group A with a point against Peru in Miami on Saturday.

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