CONMEBOL Suspends Argentina and Chile Coaches for Copa America Matches

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni and Chile's Ricardo Gareca have been issued one-game suspensions by CONMEBOL, resulting in their absence from their respective teams' final Copa America group stage matches on Saturday. The disciplinary measures were imposed following incidents during their recent clash, which Argentina narrowly won 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The governing body also levied a $15,000 fine on both Argentina and Chile for the game delays that occurred during their contentious encounter.

The suspension of Scaloni and Gareca adds a layer of intrigue to Argentina's upcoming match against Chile at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This fixture not only sees both coaches absent but also Lionel Messi sidelined due to discomfort from a right groin/abductor injury sustained during the same heated game against Chile. Messi's absence further compounds the challenge for Argentina, despite already securing a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals with a strong performance, accumulating six points from victories over Canada and Chile.

On the Chilean side, Gareca's absence will be felt keenly as they prepare to face Canada at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. With just one point in Group A standings, Chile faces a critical match that will determine their fate in the tournament. Canada, holding three points, and Peru, also with one point, make this final group stage clash pivotal for Chile's progression.

The suspensions not only underscore the disciplinary standards upheld by CONMEBOL but also underscore the competitive dynamics and challenges facing both Argentina and Chile as they navigate their final group matches without their respective head coaches.