UEFA Denies Sending Argentina Nations League Invite

By Max Wise

The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) have released a statement denying reports that they have invited Argentina to compete in the next Nations League tournament scheduled for the 2020/2021 season.

Argentina failed to end their 26-year wait for a major trophy by finishing third at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil.

Following La Albiceleste’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, the Argentines were aggrieved by some refereeing decisions and their frustrations took a turn for the worse in the third-place playoff against Chile when star man Lionel Messi was sent off following an altercation with Gary Medel.

Messi thereafter branded the Copa America as corrupt and refused to reappear for his bronze medal.

There had been reports that the Argentine Football Association were considering boycotting the next edition of the Copa America as a result of the perceived injustice they have suffered at this year’s tournament and that UEFA were prepared to offer them an olive branch by granting them a place in the Nations League.

UEFA have however reacted swiftly to bat away those reports with a statement released on Monday.

The statement read: "There is no truth whatsoever in the suggestion that Argentina has been asked to participate in UEFA competitions, nor to become a member of UEFA.

"UEFA has never entered into any discussions on this matter and would never do so.

"However, in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie and as an inclusive organisation, UEFA will, of course, invite Argentina as special guests to watch any UEFA competition at any time."

Argentina are due to co-host the next edition of the Copa America with Colombia in the summer of 2020.