Possible sanctions Conmebol could hand to Independiente and Universidad | OneFootball

After the extremely serious incidents that occurred around the world, the match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana was formally "canceled" by Conmebol and both teams, exposed to very severe sanctions.

Although there is still a long way to go in the investigation, initial versions to which TyC Sports had access indicate that both clubs could be disqualified from the tournament, in addition to a possible expulsion from the international scene for all of 2026. In this way, Alianza Lima (the team that would face the winner) would advance directly to the semifinals of the tournament.

At the time of the cancellation, with the score 1-1 in the Libertadores de América , the series was 2-1 in favor of U having won the first leg 1-0 in Santiago. Apparently, it will not matter much. As a recent precedent, with incidents of similar gravity and two fatalities, this year the cancellation of the match between Colo-Colo and Fortaleza for the Libertadores took place.

At that time, the Cacíque was harshly punished by being given the loss. However, the situation in this case is different because, although the incidents started from the Chilean side, the brutal response from the locals also exposed them.

Officially, the statement was formal and brief. "Due to the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities, which guarantee the continuation of the match between Independiente (ARG) and Universidad de Chile (CHI) for the Round of 16 of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2025, said match is canceled", they published.

"Taking into account that what is established in the Club Manual for similar situations has been complied with, without the situation being remedied, the cancellation of the match is proceeded with and the case will be referred to the CONMEBOL Judicial Bodies for future determinations", they added.

Independiente, through its president Néstor Grindetti, confirmed to TyC Sports that they will fight not to be sanctioned and demonstrate that everything was the fault of U - where they already see a strong punishment coming, although the images speak for themselves. Continues…

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.