Bielsa: CONMEBOL has prohibited Scaloni from discussing the tournament organization

During the pre-match press conference before the Copa América third-place playoff against Canada, Uruguay's national team coach Marcelo Bielsa openly criticized CONMEBOL. After discussing the conflict incident in the semifinals, he claimed that all participating players and coaches had been prohibited by CONMEBOL from discussing the poor organization of this tournament.

Bielsa nearly shouted while talking about the conflict incident after the semifinal match against Colombia: "Where have you seen no reaction saying this has nothing to do with the players? Punishment shouldn't be directed at football players, but at those who force them to do so!"

"The fact is, we must see if we need to fear possible sanctions. Now the only thing missing is sanctions. Of course, this is purely a witch hunt: 'No, we will punish them so they follow the rules in the third-place playoff.' No, it's no longer about the third-place playoff because there is a lot of public reaction, and it's shameful!"

"In a country with responsibility but no acknowledgment of lying, in a country that should be responsible for 'FIFA-gate,' now all of this has become the players' responsibility?"

Bielsa went on to say: "CONMEBOL told Scaloni, 'You mentioned the field conditions once, don't mention it again. The same goes for the players; otherwise, you will face consequences.' Everyone has been threatened on a competitive level!"

After Bielsa vented his anger, CONMEBOL officials even tried to interrupt the press conference, but Bielsa refused.