Uruguay coach Bielsa suspended against USA

Uruguay are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals, but in their final group match at the Copa America on Monday, the team will have to do without coach Marcelo Bielsa.

As tournament organizers announced on Sunday, the Argentine has been suspended for the match against the United States. The reason: The 68-year-old is said to have delayed the start of the second half in the 5-0 win over Bolivia.

Bielsa's crime is not the first of its kind in the South American continental championship: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Chile coach Ricardo Gareca and Venezuela coach Fernando Batista have already received penalties for allegedly delaying the continuation of the match.

In the case of Bielsa, who served as Leeds United manager for several years, the Uruguayan Football Association was also asked to pay $15,000 due to the coach's misconduct.

Uruguay cannot be deprived of a place in the quarter-finals after its landslide victory over Bolivia and Canada 3-1. On the other hand, the United States, after three points in two matches, relies on more points in order to qualify on its own.