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2019.11.06 12:00 GMT+8

Copa Libertadores final moved to Peru due to Chile unrest

Updated 2019.11.06 12:00 GMT+8
CGTN

Lima is chosen to be the host city of 2019 Copa Libertadores final in a conference on Conmebol Headquarters, Luque, Paraguay on November 5, 2019. /Reuters Photo

The Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and River Plate has been moved to Lima in Peru from Santiago due to the continuing unrest in the Chilean capital, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Tuesday.

The November 23 final was due to be held at the National stadium, but Santiago has been beset by violence over the last few weeks as protests that began over a rise in metro fares have amplified and spread.

Millions have since marched against inequality in what have become the biggest protests seen in Chile since the country's return to democracy in 1990.

Representatives from both Copa finalists and the Argentine and Brazilian football associations met at continental governing body CONMEBOL's headquarters for almost five hours before deciding the game will now take place in the Peruvian capital.

"We understand that the most viable option for everyone, and with guarantees from the Peruvian government, is that (the game is played) in Lima," said Alejandro Dominguez, CONMEBOL's president.

Dominguez said officials had not yet decided which stadium will host the match.

The decision to move the final to Peru comes six days after Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said the country was withdrawing as host of the Nov 16-17 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting and the Cop 25 climate change conference scheduled for Dec 2-13.

Source(s): Reuters
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