Verón Criticizes CONMEBOL for Unfair Sanction Against Independiente

Independiente has been expelled from the Copa Sudamericana due to Conmebol’s ruling regarding incidents in Avellaneda during their match against Universidad de Chile. As reported by TyC Sports, the sanctions not only disqualified the club but also imposed a $250,000 fine and mandated that they play seven matches without fans. Universidad de Chile will move on to face Alianza Lima in Coquimbo.

Estudiantes president Juan Sebastián Verón expressed strong disapproval of the ruling in a social media post. He stated, “It’s very difficult to understand how they came to such a decision… and I don’t justify any violence, but it’s all very unfair,” and added, “They chose the easiest way.”

Independiente’s officials, led by Néstor Grindetti, are considering an appeal against the fine and the fan ban, but not against the disqualification. A meeting with lawyers has been planned for Friday to explore further actions, possibly including a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

This isn’t Verón’s first dispute with Conmebol. In 2022, he criticized referee Andrés Matonte after Estudiantes were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores due to a controversial VAR decision that disallowed a goal. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions with South America’s football governing body.