Sports

Copa Libertadores final to go ahead in Santiago despite riots — CONMEBOL

October 25, 2019
Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa celebrates scoring their third goal during the Copa Libertadores semifnal second leg against Gremio at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday. — Reuters
Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa celebrates scoring their third goal during the Copa Libertadores semifnal second leg against Gremio at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday. — Reuters

ASUNCION — The Copa Libertadores final will go ahead in Santiago as planned next month, CONMEBOL said on Friday, despite the riots which have hit the Chilean capital in the last few days.

"We reaffirm our commitment to celebrate the one-match final of the Copa Libertadores at the National Stadium in Santiago on Nov. 23," said the South American governing body on Twitter.

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez told Radio Monumental in Paraguay, where the governing body is based, that Santiago remained the venue for the match between Brazilian side Flamengo and Argentina's River Plate.

"They will recover from what they are going through at the moment," he said, referring to the violent protests which have rocked the city for days.

CONMEBOL's website also gave details of how to buy tickets and said that 12,500 would be allocated to fans of each of the finalists.

Riots that started over a hike in public transport costs prompted days of arson attacks and looting that led to the arrest of more than 6,000 people and at least 16 dead in one of the region's traditionally most stable and wealthy nations.

This year marks the first time that the Copa Libertadores final will be played in a single match. The fixture has been traditionally played over two legs, on a home-and-away basis.

The second leg of last year's final between Argentina pair River Plate and Boca Juniors was called off after Boca's team bus was attacked with stones and bottles as it approached River Plate's stadium. The match was subsequently played in Madrid. — Reuters


October 25, 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
2 days ago

Al-Nassr sets up thrilling clash with Al-Hilal in King's Cup final after defeating Al-Khaleej

Sports
2 days ago

Loay Nazer announces candidacy for presidency of Al-Ittihad

Sports
2 days ago

Karim Benzema seeks medical consultation in Madrid for ongoing injuries