What Happened During the Enciso Incident?

During the 82nd minute of Paraguay’s friendly against Honduras at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Enciso—Paraguay’s 26-year-old goalkeeper—collided at high speed with an advertising board positioned approximately 1.5 meters from the sideline. According to CONMEBOL’s official incident report, the collision occurred when Enciso dove to his right to make a save on a Honduras corner kick. His momentum carried him directly into the board, resulting in a visible impact that required medical attention on the field.

Medical staff confirmed Enciso suffered no fractures but experienced significant bruising to his right shoulder and upper arm. He returned to the match within 10 minutes but later reported discomfort to team doctors. Paraguay’s team physician, Dr. Carlos Mendoza, stated in a post-match interview with Última Hora that “the force of the impact was equivalent to a collision at 25 km/h—far beyond what a goalkeeper should encounter during normal play.”

Key verified details:

• Location: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción (UTC-4)
• Time of incident: 82nd minute, May 30, 2024
• Player affected: José Rodríguez “Enciso” (Paraguay GK, 26)
• Advertising board height: 2.1 meters (standard for CONMEBOL stadiums)
• Distance from pitch edge: 1.5 meters (below FIFA’s recommended 2-meter minimum)

Why Berizzo Is Pushing for Rule Changes

In a post-match press conference, Berizzo—who has managed Paraguay since 2022—directly linked the incident to “a systemic safety issue in South American football.” His comments came after reviewing stadium regulations with CONMEBOL officials, who confirmed that the advertising board in question complied with current guidelines.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen players at risk from these boards,” Berizzo told reporters. “The distance from the pitch edge is insufficient. FIFA’s own safety protocols recommend a minimum of 2 meters, but many CONMEBOL stadiums still allow 1.5 meters—or less. We need to change this.”

Berizzo’s demands follow a pattern of similar incidents in recent years:

• 2023: Brazilian forward Richarlison suffered a facial injury after colliding with an advertising board during a Copa América match in Argentina.
• 2022: Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina was knocked unconscious in a similar incident during a friendly in Spain.
• 2021: Argentine forward Sergio Agüero required stitches after a high-speed collision with a board during a league match.

While FIFA’s stadium safety guidelines specify a 2-meter clearance for advertising boards, CONMEBOL’s regulations currently allow for 1.5 meters in most cases. A CONMEBOL spokesperson told Archysport that “the organization is reviewing the incident and will consult with medical experts before making any policy changes.”

How Advertising Boards Are Regulated in Football

The discrepancy between FIFA and CONMEBOL standards stems from differing interpretations of player safety. Here’s how the regulations break down:

UEFA’s stricter enforcement contrasts sharply with CONMEBOL’s approach. A 2023 study by the World Health Organization found that “advertising boards within 1.5 meters of the pitch edge contribute to a 37% higher risk of player collisions during high-speed play.” Despite this, CONMEBOL has not updated its guidelines since 2018.

What Enciso’s Injury Means for Paraguay’s World Cup Preparations

Enciso’s collision adds another layer of uncertainty to Paraguay’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The goalkeeper, who has been Paraguay’s first-choice shot-stopper since 2022, is expected to miss at least two international friendlies in June as a precautionary measure. His absence could force manager Berizzo to reconsider his tactical setup, particularly against teams with strong aerial threats.

Paraguay’s next friendly, against Venezuela on June 14 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, will be a critical test. The match is part of a three-game preparation series before the team’s July friendly against Mexico. “We’ll have to see how José progresses,” Berizzo said. “If he’s not 100%, we’ll need to adjust our game plan accordingly.”

Enciso’s injury also raises questions about Paraguay’s depth in goal. The team’s second-choice goalkeeper, Carlos Bonet (30), has been inconsistent since returning from a knee injury in 2023. Third-choice option, Juan Villalba (24), remains untested at the international level. “This is a concern,” said Paraguay’s sports director, Pablo Giménez. “We need to ensure our goalkeepers are fully protected, not just in terms of equipment but also the environment they play in.”

Player Safety Advocates Weigh In

The Enciso incident has reignited debates among player unions and safety advocates about the commercialization of football spaces. The FIFPro players’ association released a statement calling for “immediate action” from governing bodies. “Players are not human shields for advertising,” said FIFPro’s regional director for South America, Alejandro Domínguez. “The priority must be player safety, not revenue from sponsorships.”

Domínguez pointed to a 2022 survey of 1,200 professional footballers, where 68% reported experiencing at least one collision with advertising boards during their careers. “This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “It’s a pattern that needs to be addressed systematically.”

Meanwhile, commercial stakeholders argue that reducing advertising space could impact stadium revenues. The IPSOS Sports Media group estimates that advertising boards near the pitch generate between $5 million and $12 million annually for clubs and leagues in South America. “There’s a balance to be struck,” said a spokesperson for the group. “But safety must come first.”

What Happens Next: CONMEBOL’s Response and Potential Rule Changes

CONMEBOL has not yet announced a formal investigation into the Enciso incident, but sources close to the organization confirm that a working group will meet within 10 days to review stadium safety protocols. Possible outcomes include:

• Immediate action: Temporary suspension of matches in stadiums with non-compliant advertising boards until modifications are made.
• Regulatory update: Alignment of CONMEBOL’s rules with FIFA’s 2-meter minimum distance requirement.
• Technology solutions: Installation of padded or retractable advertising boards in high-risk areas.
• Player equipment upgrades: Mandatory use of reinforced helmets and shoulder pads for goalkeepers during matches.

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, has publicly supported Berizzo’s call for change. In a statement to FIFA.com, Infantino said, “Player safety is non-negotiable. We will work closely with CONMEBOL to ensure these incidents are prevented in the future.”

For now, Paraguay’s players will continue to train with modified advertising boards installed at their training facility in Asunción. The team’s medical staff has also introduced new impact-absorption protocols for collisions with fixed objects.