Brazil FA appeals ban handed to youth player Eduardo Conceicao
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has appealed a four-month ban issued to Eduardo Conceicao after his reaction to alleged racist abuse in a match against Argentina.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially appealed the four-month suspension handed to 16-year-old forward Eduardo Conceicao. The sanction followed an incident during an Under-17 South American Championship group stage match against Argentina.
During the fixture in April, Eduardo reported being the target of racist abuse from Argentine player Matheo Benitez. After scoring in the 89th minute, and frustrated by the referee's failure to intervene despite player complaints, the Brazilian forward responded by mimicking a monkey gesture toward Benitez. Television footage confirmed that Brazilian players had appealed to the referee during the match, but the anti-racism protocol was not enforced.
In May, CONMEBOL issued identical four-month bans to both Eduardo and Benitez, citing their disciplinary code regarding discrimination. Palmeiras, the club where Eduardo plays, is currently assisting the CBF in the appeal process. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also lodged an appeal against the sanction imposed on their player.