Argentina's Football Association (AFA) banned players in local tournaments from standing on the ball on Wednesday, penalizing it with a yellow card and an indirect free kick for opponents. The decision followed a play by Julián Palacios during Saturday's Unión vs Estudiantes match. AFA deems it unsportsmanlike conduct that sparks conflicts and risks.
AFA's Technical Management announced the rule after Unión's 2-1 loss to Estudiantes, in which Palacios stood on the ball.
"It stems from a specific conduct that has caused disruptions in the playing environment. This practice, which generates widespread confrontations, significantly damages the image of a sport with broad national and international reach," AFA stated in its announcement.
The body also noted the injury risk to the player and disruptions in matches. "There are various circumstances in which a player must be cautioned with a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct, including showing a lack of respect for the spirit of football," they justified.
The rule mirrors a Brazilian precedent from April 5, when the Brazilian Football Confederation imposed the same penalty for "lack of respect for football," enforced in the Under-17 South American Championship match between Brazil and Bolivia.
