CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee Fines, Suspends Cuban Coach for Offensive Behavior during Competition

Miami (Monday, May 18, 2015) -- The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today that its Disciplinary Committee has suspended and fined Raul Valentin, head coach of the Cuban men’s team at the Central American and Caribbean Games in November, for racist behavior during and following a match of that competition played on November 23, 2014.



The coach was fined an undisclosed amount for racial abuse of the referee of the November match disputed between the national teams of Cuba and Venezuela at the XXII Central American and Caribbean games.



During the 83rd minute of the match, Valentin was documented by match officials to have used offensive and racist language toward the referee. At the end of the game, the coach was documented to have continued using the same offensive and racist language.



In addition, Raul Valentin was handed a five match suspension, of which he has already served two matches. The remaining three match suspensions will be served in upcoming friendly matches.



CONCACAF embraces and promotes diversity as a key value of football, by fostering a culture of respect and inclusiveness. The Confederation enforces a strict zero tolerance policy concerning incidents of racist and/or discriminatory behavior.



Last month, the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, by levying a fine and a stadium ban for racist behavior by fans during a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match disputed earlier this year.

-- The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today that its Disciplinary Committee has suspended and fined Raul Valentin, head coach of the Cuban men’s team at the Central American and Caribbean Games in November, for racist behavior during and following a match of that competition played on November 23, 2014.The coach was fined an undisclosed amount for racial abuse of the referee of the November match disputed between the national teams of Cuba and Venezuela at the XXII Central American and Caribbean games.During the 83minute of the match, Valentin was documented by match officials to have used offensive and racist language toward the referee. At the end of the game, the coach was documented to have continued using the same offensive and racist language.In addition, Raul Valentin was handed a five match suspension, of which he has already served two matches. The remaining three match suspensions will be served in upcoming friendly matches.CONCACAF embraces and promotes diversity as a key value of football, by fostering a culture of respect and inclusiveness. The Confederation enforces a strict zero tolerance policy concerning incidents of racist and/or discriminatory behavior.Last month, the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, by levying a fine and a stadium ban for racist behavior by fans during a Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match disputed earlier this year.

