😱 AFA bans Estudiantes players and president after protest

The protest made by Estudiantes before the match against Rosario Central had consequences this Thursday (27).

Following a decision by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) led by Chiqui Tapia, the 11 starting players from the La Plata team who turned their backs during the "guard of honor" for Di María's team were punished.

All received two-match suspensions, which will be served starting from the next tournament. Additionally, captain Santiago Núñez will not be able to serve in that role on the field for six months.

Besides Núñez, the punished athletes are: Muslera, Gómez, Palacios, Farías, González Pirez, Arzamendia, Cetre, Piovi, Medina, and Amondarain.

Former midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón, who is the president of Estudiantes, received a six-month suspension from sports functions.

Verón is a staunch critic of Chiqui Tapia's administration.

Estudiantes' action was a response to the AFA's decision to "create" a trophy after Rosario Central had the best campaign in the combined standings of the Apertura and Clausura qualification phases.

Di María's team celebrated - off the field - the title of "League Champion," which generated much criticism.

After the protest, Estudiantes still eliminated Rosario in the Clausura round of 16 by winning 1-0 at the Gigante de Arroyito.

They will face Central de Córdoba on Saturday (29), also in a single match.

The other matches are: Boca Juniors vs. Argentinos Juniors (30/11), Barracas Central vs. Gimnasia La Plata, and Racing vs. Tigre - both on December 1st.

Photo: ESPN Reproduction 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.