'They don't need me on the bench' - Canada coach Jesse Marsch downplays CONCACAF probe for rule violations and offensive language, says team is fine without him

The Canadian Soccer Association and manager Jesse Marsch are under investigation by CONCACAF due to claims of rule violations and the use of offensive language during Les Rouges' 6-0 victory over Honduras in the Gold Cup on Tuesday.

Marsch, who is serving a two-game suspension for receiving a red card in Canada's third-place game of the Nations League in March, was not on the sidelines during the game.

"The Disciplinary Committee will review all available evidence, including official reports detailing that the CSA and its head coach disregarded regulations applicable to suspended match officials and used offensive language toward CONCACAF match officials," Concacaf said in a statement Wednesday.

According to TSN, Marsch was escorted to a box by a CONCACAF official on Tuesday ahead of the match. Some time after the opening whistle, the same official returned and told Marsch that he needed to move. Marsch then became frustrated with the situation, though it is not known what he said.

On Thursday, Canada Soccer released a short statement: "We received a notice from CONCACAF and are currently gathering the relevant information for our submission, as part of the process to resolve this matter."

Speaking at a news conference Friday, Marsch noted that the investigation is not something to be worried about and downplayed it ahead of their second game in the competition.

"I think it's a much bigger deal in the media than it is internally...I said to [the players] that they don't need me on the bench right now, they're clear."

When CONCACAF announced Marsch's current suspension from the Nations League back in April, it noted that future sanctions could be more serious.

"The Disciplinary Committee has also warned the Canadian Soccer Association and Mr. Marsch that more severe sanctions could be taken should incidents occur during future matches."

If Marsch finds himself suspended again, it could be a harsher penalty than his current two-game ban.

Canada has only won the Gold Cup once, claiming victory in 2000.

Les Rouges return to the pitch on Saturday against Curacao in game two of Group B action.