Argentina sack coach Batista after Copa America

The Argentinian Football Association has terminated the contract of the Albicelestes' coach, Sergio Batista.

AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo announced the move in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign in the Copa America, at which they were hosts. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uruguay, who went on to lift the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paraguay in Buenos Aires on Sunday evening.

Cherquis Bialo told reporters: ''The national team's committee has decided to rescind the contract that attached Mr Batista with the Argentinian Football Association. 'In a very good natured, mature telephone conversation, Mr Batista and Mr Julio Grondona (the AFA president) talked and Batista left his situation in the hands of the AFA.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino handed touchline ban for Copa America final with Uruguay

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino has been given a two-match touchline ban after taking part in a post-match brawl following his country's Copa America semi-final win over Venezuela.

With emotions running high after a 5-3 victory for Paraguay on penalties, players and staff from both sides were involved in an unruly scuffle. Martino had himself already been sent off during the match for dissent and he saw his side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Dario Veron.

As a result, Martino, who has been coach of the national team since 2006, will have to watch Sunday's final against neighbours Uruguay from the stands.