Uruguay coach Bielsa suspended for USA clash

He was sanctioned after allegedly delaying the start of the second half of his team's 5-0 win over Bolivia

AFP | July 01, 2024

KANSAS CITY:

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa has been suspended for Monday's Copa America Group C clash with the United States, tournament organisers said on Sunday.

Bielsa was sanctioned after allegedly delaying the start of the second half of his team's 5-0 win over Bolivia.

The veteran Uruguay coach's place on the bench for Monday's game at Kansas City will be taken by assistant Pablo Quiroga.

Bielsa is one of several coaches at the Copa America who have been sanctioned for holding up play.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Chile's Ricardo Gareca and Venezuela's Fernando Batista have also been disciplined by CONMEBOL to similar offences.

The Uruguayan Football Association has also been fined $15,000.

Uruguay is virtually assured of a place in the quarter-finals after defeating Panama 3-1 in their opening match prior to their drubbing of Bolivia.

Monday's game is do-or-die for the United States, who will most likely need a victory over the Uruguayans to avoid an embarrassing first-round exit.