Vélez lodge complaint over Boca’s alleged improper inclusion in Copa Argentina | OneFootball

Vélez have challenged Boca Juniors’ quarter-final spot in the Copa Argentina 2026, alleging an improper inclusion on the teamsheet after Boca advanced on penalties in the last 16. The Liniers club want Boca disqualified and their own passage.

According to LaNumer12.com.ar, article 31 limits clubs to six registered foreigners and only five on the teamsheet. Boca started Álvaro Montero, Leandro Lozano and Sebastián Villa, brought on Carlos Palacios and Enner Valencia, and also listed Ángel Romero.

Vélez have formally lodged a protest with AFA’s Disciplinary Tribunal and asked for Boca’s on-field qualification to be suspended until a ruling.

Boca’s staff and directors believe six signatures were allowed under a clause permitting six foreigners if at least two have 10 or more senior caps. The players’ union, Agremiados, considers this enables registration and inclusion on teamsheets.

AFA view the issue as an administrative error without sporting advantage, something also reflected in FIFA guidance. Ángel Romero did not play, and Arruabarrena’s side were better.

This year’s Liga Profesional rules omit any five-foreigner teamsheet limit, a grey area Boca believe favours them. Officially, Boca remain listed to play Racing and the Mario Alberto Kempes result stands. The tribunal could still award Vélez progression, while fines for Boca are also possible.

In 2021, after a 0-0 draw with Talleres, AFA told Boca that Diego García had been ineligible due to a lapsed loan. Then council member Jorge Bermúdez said they would not chase boardroom gains and accepted the draw as fair.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar

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