AFA Imposes Six-Month Suspension on Estudiantes President Verón

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a six-month suspension for Juan Sebastián Verón, president of Estudiantes de La Plata, due to his players’ protest during a guard of honour for Rosario Central on Sunday.

All eleven Estudiantes players involved in the protest, which took place prior to the Clausura tournament round of 16 match, have also been handed a two-match suspension. This unusual ‘reverse’ guard of honour occurred shortly after the AFA’s controversial decision to grant Rosario Central a new trophy, created after the regular season concluded.

Traditionally, the Argentine league features two championships: the Apertura (opening) and the Clausura (closing), with playoff formats to determine the winners. However, the AFA surprised many last Thursday by introducing the title of ‘League Champion’ for the team that earned the most points in the overall standings.

Rosario Central accumulated the highest total of points (66) across both the Apertura, which was claimed by Platense earlier this year, and the Clausura. Star forward Ángel Di María was present to accept the trophy last week.

Estudiantes was the only team to publicly oppose this decision, criticizing the lack of a vote as stipulated by regulations. As the teams entered the Gigante de Arroyito stadium for the match, Estudiantes players were obligated by the AFA to perform the traditional guard of honour for the champions. Instead, they turned their backs on Rosario Central, a gesture unprecedented in Argentine football.

Estudiantes ultimately won the match 1-0, with a goal from Edwuin Cetré, eliminating the newly crowned champions from the tournament.

Following the incident, the league’s disciplinary committee confirmed the penalties for Verón and his players. Verón, who returned to Estudiantes nine years ago to conclude his playing career, has been a vocal critic of the AFA and its president, Claudio Tapia. The decision to breach protocol was attributed to him.

The players’ two-match suspensions will take effect in the first tournament of 2026, allowing key players like Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to compete against Central Córdoba in the Clausura quarterfinals on Saturday. Additionally, captain Santiago Nunez will not serve as on-field captain for the next three months.

In reaction to the AFA’s decision, Estudiantes de La Plata expressed their unwavering support for Verón, Nunez, and the entire professional squad through a social media statement.

Under Tapia’s leadership, the AFA has been marked by frequent changes to tournament formats and promotion/relegation rules, but the introduction of a new trophy mid-season is a first in Argentine football history.

This report includes information from ESPN Argentina and the Associated Press.