Vélez Sarsfield appeals AFA ruling on Boca Juniors lineup violation

Vélez Sarsfield has filed an appeal against the AFA Disciplinary Tribunal's decision regarding the Copa Argentina octagonal round. The club is seeking to suspend the upcoming quarter-final match between Boca Juniors and Racing Club until a final resolution is reached.

The controversy stems from a match played on September 2, where Boca Juniors included six foreign players on the official match sheet, exceeding the permitted limit of five. The AFA Tribunal ruled that while an administrative error occurred in the documentation, it did not constitute an illegal lineup because the sixth player, Ángel Romero, did not actually play. Consequently, Boca Juniors was not disqualified but was instead issued a fine equivalent to the value of 1,000 tickets.

Vélez officials, including Vice President Nelson Pugliese and President Fabián Berlanga, have criticized the ruling as “unintelligible” and “shameful,” arguing that the error provided a sporting advantage. The club has requested an urgent injunction to prevent “irreparable damage” and has indicated they are prepared to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).