Tomorrow marks the final showdown among the Group C sides of the 2024 Copa America. Aside from the Panama vs. Bolivia match, all eyes are fixed on the USMNT vs. Uruguay clash. A full house is expected for this emphatic game, where the host nation aims to avoid ending their tournament run prematurely. However, what interests everyone is the absence of Uruguayan coach Marcelo Bielsa due to a suspension. Why won’t the former Leeds United boss be in the dugout with his team?

The news regarding his absence was compiled by a journalist Henry Bushnell on X and further confirmed by one of the spokespersons of Copa America. But why exactly is Marcelo Bielsa suspended in the first place? Well, to begin with, during Matchday 2 against Bolivia, Uruguay had arrived late on the pitch to resume the latter 45 minutes. Typically, 15 minutes is the time that each team is given to rest and discuss their team strategies with each other.

However, La Celeste took more time to return to the match they managed to win 5-0. This saw the CONMEBOL punish Uruguay by suspending their head coach from the final group-stage match. That’s not all as aside from Bielsa’s suspension, a fine of $15,000 has also been imposed on Uruguay’s soccer federation. The amount will automatically be deducted from the overall prize money they will be receiving after the end of the tournament.

Unfortunately, as per the statement released by the CONMEBOL, no appeal can be made by Uruguay against the fine. Instead, they have been given a warning as the repeat of the incident has further consequences down the road. Interestingly, Bielsa and Uruguay aren’t alone in having been receiving a similar punishment.

Aside from Marcelo Bielsa, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni was also handed over a one-match ban

During Argentina’s Matchday 2 against Chile, Lionel Scaloni and his players also came late to the pitch to resume the match. This saw the CONMEBOL fine and suspend the La Albiceleste boss for his recent final group stage match against Peru. Notably, prior to the match, assistant coach Walter Samuel revealed that Scaloni was ‘upset‘ about the incident. But unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time Scaloni and Co. did this.

During their opening game against Canada, a similar incident transpired but Argentina walked away without any punishment. This time, the stakeholders weren’t going to spare the World Champions. Similarly, Mexico had also come late while facing Jamaica, but they also walked away without any punishment. Perhaps constant incidents saw Marcelo Bielsa become the latest scapegoat for his halftime antics, as he now shall fulfill his suspension.