Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira received a $15,000 fine from CONMEBOL after flashing his middle finger at striker Flaco López during a Copa Libertadores match. The incident occurred on May 6 when López scored the opening goal in Palmeiras’ 2‑0 victory at Sporting Cristal. CONMEBOL ruled the gesture a breach of its disciplinary code and warned of harsher sanctions for any repeat.

Ferreira defended the gesture as an internal joke meant to spur López, whom he describes as the player he pushes hardest. He said the middle finger was a response to López’s thumbs‑up, emphasizing his demand for the Argentine to finish chances rather than drop into midfield. López, 25, arrived from Lanús in 2022 and logged 25 goals with six assists in 64 games last season.

The fine adds pressure on Ferreira as Palmeiras chase a second Libertadores title this campaign. A disciplinary record could affect his eligibility for future matches, and the incident fuels debate over coaching methods in high‑stakes South American football. CONMEBOL’s stern warning signals that such behaviour will not be tolerated on the continent’s premier stage.