Chile Demands Suspension of Referee After Copa América Exit

The Chilean Football Federation (FFC) has called for the suspension of referee Wilmar Roldan following Chile’s elimination from the Copa América after a 0-0 draw with Canada on Saturday.

The FFC accused the Colombian referee of making “gross errors” that affected the match’s outcome.

Controversial Decisions in Key Match

Chile’s frustration peaked when Gabriel Suazo received a second yellow card in the 27th minute reducing the team to 10 men. Additionally, the FFC was outraged that a potential elbow by Canada’s Moïse Bombito on Rodrigo Echeverria in the fifth minute was not reviewed by VAR.

In a letter to CONMEBOL’s refereeing commission, the FFC cited Roldan’s history of controversial decisions including a 2021 Copa América match against Paraguay where he failed to award Chile a penalty. This led the FFC to request Roldan’s indefinite suspension.

Ongoing Refereeing Concerns

The FFC also criticized the officiating in their other group matches against Argentina and Peru accusing referees Andres Matonte and Wilton Sampaio of “questionable decisions.”

Despite being Copa América champions in 2015 and 2016 Chile’s early exit this year marks their earliest elimination since 2004 having failed to score a single goal in the tournament.

The FFC’s plea to CONMEBOL highlights their deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing standards and seeks to ensure fair officiating in future matches.

Also Read: Argentina vs Peru Highlights: the defending champion tops the group stage with a perfect nine point