Juan Sebastián Verón, icon of Argentine football and current president of Estudiantes de La Plata, is at the center of one of the most unusual stories of this season in Argentine football. Suspended for six months by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for his responsibility in the “pasillo de espaldas” episode, when Estudiantes players refused to make the traditional corridor of honor for champion Rosario Central, Verón will not be able to perform official duties or occupy formal places during football activities.
However, despite the penalty imposed by the AFA Disciplinary Court, Verón found a way to be present at one of the most important moments of the club’s season: the final of the Closing Tournament 2025contested against Racing Club at the Único stadium Mother of Citiesem Santiago del Estero.
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Verón in the stands
Even with the suspension, Verón decided travel to Santiago del Estero and watch the tournament decider — but as a regular fan. As he was not allowed to enter the protocol zones of the stadium, he bought a ticket and will be accommodated in the popular tribunealongside other Estudiantes fans, to support their favorite team.
According to reports, he traveled in private plane accompanied by family and friends and arrived in the host city in the early hours of this Saturday before the final.
On social media, Verón’s wife shared moments of the arrival and joked about the situation, saying something like “if you’re looking for me… I’m in the stand”in a clear tone of defiance of the suspension.
The context of the final is also full of sporting tension. Estudiantes secured a place in the final after a narrow 1-0 victory over classic rival Gimnasia in the semi-final, and now faces o Racingwho reached the decisive game after eliminating traditional opponents such as River Plate and Boca Juniors in their Clausura career.
In addition to the dispute for the Argentine title, the match is also worth a direct place in the group stage of the 2026 Copa Libertadoresfurther increasing the importance of the duel.
