Bielsa banned, won’t coach Uruguay vs USMNT

Marcelo Bielsa, the coach of Uruguay, has been suspended by Copa America organisers CONMEBOL and will miss the game with the United States on Monday.

Former Leeds United boss Bielsa has been punished by South American football’s governing body for a delay in Uruguay’s players entering the field in their Group C game with Bolivia on Thursday.

Uruguay went on to win the game 5-0 to move closer to a place in the quarterfinals.

The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has also been fined $15,000 and warned of the consequences of any future infractions.

Bielsa and the AUF were issued with a warning after a delay against Panama in their opening game before a repeat offence against Bolivia triggered disciplinary action.

CONMEBOL is clamping down on hold ups to the start and restarting of play and has punished and fined a number of coaches and federations at the tournament being held in the U.S.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and opposite number Ricardo Gareca were suspended for their final game of Group A on Saturday while Venezuela coach Fernando Batista will miss Sunday night’s match with Jamaica.

Uruguay will advance to the quarterfinals with a draw against the USMNT at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City on Monday night.

The U.S. must match or better Panama’s result against Bolivia if they are to progress.

(Megan Briggs/Getty Images)