Memphis Depay: Missed Penalty, Fan Backlash, and Conmebol Fine After Corinthians’ Libertadores Exit

The Conmebol Mandate and Financial Penalties

According to tournament regulations, South American football’s governing body requires all participating players to walk through the designated media zone after a match. While athletes are not obligated to stop and speak with reporters, failing to physically pass through the sector constitutes a regulatory breach. Consequently, the club will forfeit US$ 10,000, which will be automatically deducted from the prize money the club is entitled to receive for participation in the continental competition.

Financial records show the São Paulo club finished its continental campaign having accumulated US$ 4.97 million (cerca de R$ 25,78 milhões) nos cofres. That figure breaks down into US$ 1 million pela participação na fase de grupos, US$ 1,02 milhão pelas três vitórias na primeira fase e US$ 1,25 milhão pela classificação às oitavas de final, before the elimination halted their run.

The Decisive Penalty Miss and Match Context

The elimination arrived after late drama in regulation and the subsequent shootout. Trailing by a single goal in the fixture, Corinthians earned a penalty kick in the final minutes when a video assistant referee review confirmed a handball by Tomás Palacios inside the box.

Memphis stepped up to take the high-stakes spot-kick with a chance to level the scoreline. Instead, the forward misfired, isolating the shot. Argentine media outlets subsequently labeled the player as a ‘vilão’ of the fixture, while local supporters in Itaquera voiced frustration as the player departed the stadium via an alternative exit.

Technical Staff Defense and Locker Room Reaction

Speaking in the post-match press conference, coach Fernando Diniz firmly defended his attacker, explaining that the player was designated as a choice for high-pressure situations alongside teammate Rodrigo Garro.

— He is the designated penalty taker. He and Garro. If there had been a penalty shootout, they would have taken the first and second. He is accustomed to taking penalties, just like Garro. Either of them could take it — Diniz explained to journalists.

— I think he has many services rendered to the club, he had the courage to take the penalty. We are going to stay together. Everyone lost, it wasn’t just because of the penalty. He is an experienced player. We are all in this together, we already talked about it in the locker room — the manager added.

Next Steps for the Squad

Corinthians must quickly pivot focus back to domestic commitments as the squad prepares for its upcoming fixture in the Campeonato Brasileiro.