Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón has been banned from all football-related activities for six months by the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
The punishment follows a controversial incident involving a guard of honour during Estudiantes de La Plata’s match against Rosario Central.
Verón, now 50 years old and serving as president of Estudiantes since 2014, allegedly instructed his team to turn their backs during the ceremonial guard of honour for Rosario Central, who had just been crowned Argentine champions.
The protest was aimed at a rule change that awarded Rosario the league title after they finished stage one of the competition with four more points than Boca Juniors.
The incident occurred moments before kickoff on Sunday.
As the Rosario Central players walked onto the pitch, Estudiantes players turned their backs in silent defiance, signalling their objection to the league’s decision.
Although Estudiantes won the match 1–0, the controversy overshadowed the result, drawing nationwide attention and immediate disciplinary action from the AFA.
Verón’s playing career remains well-remembered in Europe.
He joined Manchester United in 2001 from Lazio for a then-record fee of £28.1 million.
He made an impressive start, even winning Premier League Player of the Month in September 2001.
However, his form dipped over time, resulting in his sale to Chelsea in 2003 for nearly half of United’s original investment.
He played only 14 matches for Chelsea before continuing his career at Inter Milan and eventually returning to Argentina.
The six-month ban now marks a dramatic twist in Verón’s post-playing career as a club administrator, raising new debates within Argentine football about player protests, leadership conduct, and league governance.
