Copa América: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa suspended vs. USMNT

KANSAS CITY — Legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa will not be on Uruguay's sideline when La Celeste faces the Copa América-host United States on Monday, CONMEBOL — South American soccer's governing body and the tournament organizer — said on the eve of both teams' final group stage match.

Bielsa, the 68-year-old Argentine who has coached club teams in the top divisions in England, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, his home country plus Argentina's national team, received a one-match ban after the Uruguayan players entered the field late during last week's Group C match against Bolivia. La Celeste assistant Diego Reyes will handle coaching duties for Bielsa, who is not permitted to have any contact with his players or staff after they arrive at Arrowhead Stadium for the game (9 p.m. ET, FS1 and the FOX Sports app).

"It goes without saying that this regulatory sanction is never well received, because it's something negative," Reyes told reporters on Sunday during Uruguay's pre-match press conference. "We need to take it as it comes. I cannot say anything else."

The 15-time Copa América champions are looking to break a tie with Argentina this summer for the most titles all-time. Uruguay won both of its first two contests at USA 2024, beating Panama 3-1 in its opener before routing La Verde 5-0 last time out. The squad features players from some of the top teams in European club soccer, including Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez.

There has been some speculation that several starters could be rested for Uruguay's first round finale, though Reyes pointed out that his side has not officially qualified for the knockout stage. Only two teams from Group C will