Venezuela coach Batista misses the game against Jamaica due to a suspension

Venezuela will face Jamaica in its final Copa America group match on Sunday, but coach Fernando Batista will be absent due to a CONMEBOL suspension.

Batista was banned for one match after arriving late on the pitch in Venezuela’s 1-0 win over Mexico, joining Chilean coach Ricardo Gareca and Argentine Lionel Scaloni in also being punished by the South American Football Confederation.

“Batista is very injured because he can no longer lead the team, but we respect the decision,” said assistant coach Leandro Cufre at a press conference on Saturday.

Venezuela goes into the clash with Jamaica as leaders of Group B with six points. The team has thus secured a place in the last eight and has the opportunity to advance as group winners and thus possibly avoid defending champions Argentina in the next round.

“We have to remember to field the best team we can because the most important thing tomorrow is to get a good result,” added Cufre.