If the US men's national team is to reclaim the Gold Cup crown, it will have to do so without head coach Jurgen Klinsmann on the sideline.
CONCACAF announced Friday evening that Klinsmann will be suspended for Sunday's final against Panama in Chicago (4 pm ET, FOX/UniMas/Sportsnet, Live chat on MLSsoccer.com) as a result of his ejection in the 87th minute of the US' 3-1 win over Honduras in Wednesday's semifinal.
CONCACAF issued the following statement on Friday evening:
<p>Following a review today by the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee, in accordance with Article VI.1b of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Regulations, it was decided that United States national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been suspended for one match. This decision was reached in accordance with Articles 18.4, 19.1, 19.2 and 20 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.</p><p>Mr. Klinsmann was ejected from the technical area for showing dissent towards the referee by throwing the ball in a violent manner during the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal match against Honduras on July 24, 2013, in Arlington, Texas, USA.</p><p>His suspension will be served in the USA’s next match, which is scheduled to take place on July 28, 2013, at the Gold Cup final in Chicago.</p><p>This decision cannot be appealed in accordance with the FIFA DC Art. 118.</p> |
Klinsmann's outburst came after a pair of fouls from behind on US left back DaMarcus Beasley. He apologized for his reaction after the game.
USMNT assistant coach Martin Vasquez would appear to be next in line to take over coaching duties for the final, but U.S. Soccer spokesperson said that the matter would be addressed Saturday.
