The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has handed down a six-month suspension to Estudiantes de La Plata president Juan Sebastián Verón, following a controversial incident where his players turned their backs on Rosario Central during a guard of honour last Sunday.
All eleven players who participated in this protest have also received a two-match ban. The incident occurred just three days after the AFA awarded Central a newly created trophy, which drew criticism as it was implemented after the regular season had concluded.
Argentina’s football league traditionally features two championships, the Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing) tournaments, each determined by playoff outcomes. However, last Thursday, the AFA surprised many by introducing the title of ‘League Champion’ for the team that accumulated the most points over the entire season.
Certainly, Central claimed the highest point total (66) from the regular phases of both the Apertura, previously won by Platense, and the Clausura. Star forward Ángel Di María accepted the trophy last week.
Estudiantes was notably the only team to openly oppose this new decision, arguing that it should have been subjected to a vote as per AFA regulations.
When both teams entered the Gigante de Arroyito stadium in Rosario for the Clausura tournament opener, Estudiantes players were required to form a traditional guard of honour for the champions. Instead, they turned their backs in an unprecedented show of dissent in Argentine football.
Estudiantes ultimately won the match 1-0, thanks to a goal by Edwuin Cetré, eliminating Central from the competition.
On Thursday, the AFA’s disciplinary panel confirmed the penalties for Verón and his players.
– Rosario Central, Ángel Di María handed surprise Argentine title
Verón, who returned to his boyhood club nine years ago and played his final season there, has been suspended for six months from all football-related activities. The former star of Manchester United, Chelsea, Lazio, and the Argentina national team has recently been vocal in his criticisms of the AFA and president Claudio Tapia, and the protocol violation was deemed to be his responsibility.
The players’ two-match suspension will apply to the first tournament of 2026. This means notable players like Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will still be available to play against Central Córdoba in the Clausura quarterfinals on Saturday.
Additionally, captain Santiago Nunez faces a three-month ban from serving as the on-field captain.
In response to the sanctions, Estudiantes de La Plata expressed via social media: “The Board of Directors expresses its full support for its president Juan Sebastián Verón, Santiago Nuñez, and the entire professional team.”
Under Tapia’s leadership, the AFA has seen frequent changes in tournament formats and promotion and relegation rules. However, it is unprecedented to introduce a new trophy mid-season.
Information from ESPN Argentina and the Associated Press contributed to this report.