Guatemala’s all-time leading goal-scorer was expected to miss his nation’s two World Cup qualification matches against the U.S. Men’s National Team in March, but he will now be eligible to play after his six-month suspension was cut short on Monday.
Carlos Ruiz was originally suspended by the disciplinary body of Guatemala’s top league, Liga Nacional de Futbol de Guatemala, after he struck center official Ever Lopez during a league game in November. However, the National Football Federation of Guatemala (FedefutGuate) announced he was eligible to play domestically and for the national team as of Monday.
FedefutGuate deemed the six games Ruiz missed, one game from Guatemala’s Apertura 2015 season and the first five games from the current Clausura campaign, sufficient for the striker’s suspension.
In November, Ruiz was shown a yellow card in a scoreless tie, and then subsequently struck the referee. He was shown a red card, and charged the official before being restrained.
The U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Guatemala on March 25 for its third game of the Fourth Round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Americans will then host La Azul y Blanco on March 29 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The U.S. is currently level with Trinidad & Tobago in Group C with four points, while Guatemala has three points and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has zero points through two games played.
Here is Ruiz’s reaction, which earned him his suspension, from November:
¿Fue correcta la expulsión del Pescado en el juego contra @AntiguaOficial? Participa con nosotros en #Deportes911 pic.twitter.com/mpgm7nMf04
— Antigua Sports (@antiguasports) November 26, 2015
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What do you think of Ruiz’s eligibility? Think he should be allowed to play for Guatemala?
Share your thoughts below.
he’s the dread pirate robert of CONCACAF. We need him
He’s scored twice in 16 years against the US. Remember when he was unstoppable in MLS, yeah it was 2002.
“Lil Fish” done far more cruel attacks….got zero suspension.
Well isn’t that conveeeeenient!
He is all Guatemala has.. and he is what 38 years old.. okay combined scoreline will be 6-1 now with him sure.. sad
This guy is old as f**k…LOL!
I’m happy about this. Bring him on.
yep, he’s definitely more of a negative than a positive for the team at this point.
Great we can now all look forward to him flopping around claiming someone broke his leg. Game duration just got extended about an extra hour due to dives and acting. I hate the way the Central American teams/players pull this crap. Cheapens everything.
Hmmm … I wonder what made them change their mind?
Ruiz will score at least one goal in the two games vs USA. You can book it.
I was going to say how shady this decision probably was. However, after watching the video, eh. 6 month suspension would have been very harsh.
For comparison, his action does not even touch what Dempsey did last year.
Fair.
Based on what I remember from the video with Ruiz, the ref played a major role in instigating that confrontation.
He’s just showing him the yellow, when Carlos hits his arm. Then the ref loses it a little, but the ref can’t be blamed for Carlos striking him which is what the suspension is for. The aftermath when Carlos charges him sure, but the deed was already done at that point.
his dives should be categorized as crimes against humanity. He should be in a cell with Chapo
Yes, actually striking an official is why not as bad as ripping up a piece of paper. However, six months seems a little harsh, of course history of unsportsmanlike behavior towards referees was probably considered.