Verón breaks silence on AFA ban, Conmebol Rojo decision, River talks

Juan Sebastián Verón broke his silence during Estudiantes' Ordinary General Assembly, addressing his three-month AFA suspension, Conmebol's refusal to register Marcos Rojo for the Copa Libertadores semifinal, and a recent meeting with River Plate's president.

Sanction and context

Verón acknowledged understanding the AFA's three-month ban for entering the pitch and confronting referee Darío Herrera after the Supercopa Internacional loss to Rosario Central. "In some ways I understand it because situations occurred that possibly aren't right," he said Source: La Voz del Interior. However, he also defended his reaction: "On the other hand, I felt it was fair because of what we had lived through and what the people lived through" Source: clarin. He clarified his anger was not solely about the match but "everything that was being generated and had been generated that day" Source: La Voz del Interior.

Conmebol criticism

Verón strongly criticized Conmebol for not allowing Marcos Rojo to play in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo. "What happened was totally unfair and arbitrary," he stated Source: clarin. He added, "Obviously it makes you angry, but you have to keep going" Source: La Voz del Interior. The club made a formal presentation against the decision and will continue efforts to have Rojo available for the return leg.

River rapprochement

Verón also discussed a recent meeting with River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo, aimed at discussing initiatives for Argentine football's development. This comes after public clashes between the clubs in 2025, notably over Sebastián Driussi's transfer. Verón downplayed tensions: "I can have a lot of run-ins or exchanges of words with someone. I'm not a person who gets offended easily" Source: La Voz del Interior. He emphasized his 20 years of locker-room experience and his commitment to building consensus.