FIFA has officially suspended Boca Juniors midfielder Ander Herrera for four matches following a dramatic red card incident during the Club World Cup group stage clash against Benfica in Miami.
The 35-year-old Spaniard, who was substituted in the 20th minute due to a muscle injury, was sent off while on the bench after aggressively confronting referee César Arturo Ramos. The incident occurred during a heated VAR review late in the first half, where Herrera reportedly approached the referee and the monitor in protest of a penalty awarded to Benfica.
Security personnel had to intervene to restrain Herrera, and referee Ramos issued a direct red card for what FIFA later described as unsportsmanlike conduct and interference with officiating procedures.
Alongside Herrera, Boca defender Nicolás Figal also received a four-match suspension for his own red card in the same game. However, controversy has arisen after Benfica striker Andrea Belotti received only a two-match ban for a high-foot challenge that injured Boca’s Ayrton Costa.
Boca Juniors have lodged an official appeal with FIFA, arguing that the sanctions handed to Herrera and Figal are excessive and inconsistent when compared to the Belotti decision.
As it stands, Herrera will be unavailable for Boca’s remaining group matches, including a crucial fixture against Bayern Munich. His return to the tournament depends not only on Boca reaching the semi-finals, but also on the success of the club’s appeal.
This suspension adds further pressure to Boca’s Club World Cup campaign, which has already been disrupted by key injuries and disciplinary issues.
