Former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has been handed a six-month suspension from all football-related activities by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) after his club Estudiantes refused to form a guard of honour for Rosario Central.
The controversy stems from Rosario Central being declared league champions following a rule change, based on their combined points from the Apertura and Clausura tournaments. Estudiantes players turned their backs on the Rosario squad as they entered the pitch for a Clausura last-16 match, protesting the title which was not part of the original competition rules.
Estudiantes' starting line-up players who participated in the protest were suspended for two matches each, but the AFA stated these bans will be served in the next tournament to avoid affecting the current competition's integrity. The players are therefore eligible for Saturday's Clausura quarter-final against Central Cordoba.
Under previous regulations, the team with the highest annual points earned only a Copa Libertadores berth, while the Apertura champions Platense are set to face the Clausura champions in the end-of-year Champions Trophy.
