TIJUANA, BC. – Yesterday, the Disciplinary Tribunal of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) made a decision to punish the Brazilian soccer team, SC Corinthians Paulista, after the death of a minor from Bolivia when fans from the team threw a flare.

Corinthians will now play throughout the next 60 days behind closed doors without any fans present. This includes matches in the Copa Libertadores de America 2013 tournament.

This decision by Conmebol also affects the next match between Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles and Corinthians in Brazil, but the Brazilian team has until February 28 to appeal the ruling.

Kevin Beltran is the name of the young Bolivian boy who died after being hit in the eye with a flare, in which soon after, 12 Corinthian fans were arrested by local authorities at the Jesus Bermudez de Oruro stadium where the match was taking place.

Nestor Benitez, who is the spokesman for this South American team, said that the injunction was issued by the Vice President of the disciplinary committee, Adrian Leiza.

According to reports coming from Paraguay, which is where the headquarters of CONMEBOL is located, this sanction is temporary but may increase in severity after law enforcement authorities of Bolivia finish their investigation into the case.

"Also, when Corinthians play Away, the home team is prohibited from selling tickets to fans of the Paulista team," said the official, which means that on the match that is schedule for March 6, the only colors that will be allowed at Caliente stadium will only that of the red and black team (Xolos).

Extra information provided by the Associated Press (AP)

Manuel.Medina@sandiegored.com

Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com