October 25 – Conmebol have suspended the Futsal Copa America in Chile amid ongoing social unrest in the country, fueling speculation that the Copa Libertadores final could be shifted away from Santiago.
The governing body was forced to suspend the tournament, because of the state emergency that has been declared in Chile following protests from students and the middle classes against rising public transport fares. The protests have already taken 11 lives.
“The decision was taken after assessing the situation together with the Chilean government and Chilean football federation, as well as the different local and regional authorities,” said Conmebol in a statement.
Conmebol has not set a new date and place for the tournament, but stressed that a decision will be taken soon.
The Copa Libertadores, which is to be played in a single-final format in Santiago de Chile on November 23 between Brazilian giants Flamengo and defending champions River Plate, still remains the venue for the match. A statement from the confederation said: “Conmebol remains in constant contact with Chilean authorities and reaffirms its commitment to play in the Libertadores single final on the date and place initially agreed.”
Last year the final of the Copa Libertadores had to be moved to Madrid after River Plate and Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors failed to keep the peace in the Argentinean capital over two legs.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1730561443labto1730561443ofdlr1730561443owedi1730561443sni@o1730561443fni1730561443