Guangzhou Evergrande's banned record signing Dario Conca could be facing more trouble after he brought his baby onto the pitch before an AFC Champions League game, officials said Wednesday.
An Asian Football Confederation (AFC) spokesman said Conca, who became one of the world's best paid players when he joined the Chinese club, was being probed over the incident at this month's match with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
"The case is currently under investigation for potential violation by the player of the rules and regulations of the competition," a spokesman told AFP.
The China Daily newspaper said Conca had ignored a match official who told him children were not allowed onto the field of play when he kissed and cradled his two-month-old son, Benjamin, in front of the Guangzhou crowd.
It means further woe for the Argentine midfielder, who was substituted during the 3-1 loss and then lashed out at the decision on his microblogging account, earning a nine-match ban and a US$159,000 fine.
In January, Conca was also fined $24,000 for returning late to training after a holiday.
Boosted by foreign imports, Guangzhou have dominated Chinese football but their Champions League bid is in the balance before next week's final group game against Buriram United, whom they will now face without Conca.
Source: AFP
