Overview
- AFA's refereeing department, which announced the ban Wednesday, will caution any player who stands on the ball and award the opponent an indirect free kick.
- The circular labels the act a show of disrespect to the spirit of football and says it often sparks confrontations and can injure the player who attempts it.
- The instruction takes effect from the next Argentine matchday, and referees have been told to enforce it as soon as play resumes.
- The decision follows a weekend Unión vs. Estudiantes match in which Julián Palacios stood on the ball, drawing fresh scrutiny of the gesture.
- Brazil’s football confederation set the same penalty on April 5, pointing to a regional move to treat the act as unsporting conduct.