Uruguay Lose TAS Appeal: Darwin Núñez to Miss Three World Cup Qualifiers

Uruguay’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the suspensions handed down by CONMEBOL during the 2024 Copa América has been rejected. As reported by Sport 890, the ruling confirms the five-match ban and $20,000 fine imposed on striker Darwin Núñez.

Due to a provisional suspension, Núñez has already served two matches and will now miss Uruguay’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, Venezuela, and Peru. He is expected to return against Chile.

The remaining players involved — Ronald Araujo, José María Giménez, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Mathías Olivera — have already completed their respective suspensions.

Carlos Manta, a member of the AUF Executive Committee, admitted that the appeal was never expected to reduce the penalties but served its purpose by allowing Núñez to play in key matches. “We were never very optimistic about getting the suspensions reduced,” he said, “but it worked out because he played in the games we needed him most.”

The CAS ruling dismissed claims of “legitimate defense” related to the brawl involving Uruguay players, coaching staff, and fans during the match against Colombia. The court found the players’ actions to be “voluntary, violent, and unjustified,” in violation of CONMEBOL’s disciplinary code.

Despite the rejection, AUF officials believe the appeal helped their qualification efforts and remain confident of reaching the next World Cup.