MIAMI, FL (Monday, April 21, 2014) - The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today that its Appeals Committee has reduced by two matches the suspension to Cruz Azul Goalkeeper Jesus Corona, imposed for the player’s role in an on-field melee following the second leg of Cruz Azul’s CONCACAF Champions League semi-final victory over Club Tijuana on Wednesday, April 9 at the Estadio Azul in Mexico City.
After thorough review of the case including analysis of extensive video tape, as well as testimony and reports from match officials, the Appeals Committee found a lack of comprehensive evidence supporting any additional sanctions further to the one-game ban levied as a result of the red card Corona was issued after the match in question.
Corona was originally handed a three-match ban on Tuesday, April 15, and served the first game of that suspension during the away leg of the Finals of the CONCACAF Champions League, in which Cruz Azul and visiting Deportivo Toluca played to a goalless draw.
Exercising its right under Articles 6.11-6.14 of the CONCACAF Champions League Regulations 2013-14, and Articles 118-125 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, Cruz Azul appealed the additional two-game suspension. That appeal was brought before the CONCACAF Appeals Committee on Monday, resulting in the updated ruling.
Cruz Azul faces Deportivo Toluca in the return leg of the 2013-14 Champions League Finals on Wednesday night in Toluca, with kickoff set for 7PM local time. Corona is now eligible for selection for that match.
