Suspended: Italy boss Gonzalo Quesada pays price for referee criticism after All Blacks loss

Quesada was critical of the performance of referee Luc Ramos following Italy's meeting with the All Blacks on 11 July, in which the Azzurri lost 47-17.

As a result of his ban, the Argentine is banned from all match-day proceedings, including being present in the stadium, for Italy's upcoming meeting with Australia as well as their November opener against the Springboks. He does, however, have the right to appeal the decision.

The new process under which he has been banned was agreed upon during World Rugby's recent Shape of the Game forum, and came into effect this month (July 2026).

"In line with the provisions of the Match Official Abuse Sanction Process, World Rugby can confirm that an automatic two-match suspension has been issued to Gonzalo Quesada, which includes a ban on all match-day activity, including being present in the stadium, as a result of comments made in broadcast, and subsequently reported, following the Nations Championship match against New Zealand on 11 July," read World Rugby's statement in part.

"Under the process, Quesada has the right to appeal the sanction to a full judicial committee hearing."

Quesada was critical about Niccolo Cannon's red card and Ruben Love's yellow card that was overturned.

"I think the 20-minute red card on our number four, Niccolo Cannone, held up on the floor by [All Black] 17 and not even seeing it, is a bit harsh," he said.

"I think the yellow on Love, their number 10, is a yellow, and I will stop there because I can continue on.

"I don't want to speak about that honestly. It was tough to defend the try where they allow them to play a quick penalty with two injured players of Italy plus a yellow card.

"So it's terrible to concede more than 40 points in a game like that. It's tough for, and I never like talking about the referee, but when I see the efforts my players, I want to defend them."