The scandal at Libertadores de América due to the serious incidents between fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chileresulted in more than 19 injured and several detained: it opened the door to a severe sanction from CONMEBOL. The organization has already reported that the match was "canceled" due to "lack of security guarantees from the home club and local authorities," and the case has been referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
The immediate precedent is concerning, since in April, Colo Colo received an exemplary sanction after similar incidents in Copa Libertadores. Colo Colo lost the match 0-3, received a financial penalty, and had to play five home matches without spectators. This is a scenario that is also projected for Independiente.
Independiente tiene el historial de sanciones en contra
CONMEBOL sources emphasized that "security during the match is always the responsibility of the home club." This reinforces the hypothesis that Rojo will receive the harshest sanction, regardless of the fact that the disturbances began in the visiting section.
Despite this, Avellaneda officials sought to distance themselves from blame. "I believe that a sanction clearly applies to the Chilean club and that Independiente should be released from responsibility," stated president Néstor Grindetti. Meanwhile, General Secretary Daniel Seoane reported: "What the U de Chile fans just did is madness. They threw projectiles, chairs, and even toilets. We weren't prepared for this."
Grindetti se intentó desligar de la cuestión
Meanwhile, U president Michael Clark pointed in the opposite direction: "Clearly, there is an organizing club. We didn't place people where they were, we had nothing to do with the security systems."
Meanwhile, the tournament awaits a decision. Alianza Lima is already in the quarterfinals and is waiting for an opponent that will be determined in an office in Asunción, where Independiente's fate seems increasingly compromised.
All possible sanctions that Independiente could face
CONMEBOL's Disciplinary Regulations state in Article 18: a) Warning. b) Reprimand, admonition, or notice. c) Financial penalty, which shall never be less than ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS (USD 100) nor more than FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND US DOLLARS (USD 400,000). d) Annulment of the result of a match. e) Replay of a match. f) Deduction of points. g) Determination of the result of a match. h) Obligation to play a match behind closed doors. i) Total or partial closure of the stadium. j) Prohibition to play a match in a specific stadium. k) Obligation to play a match in a third country. l) Disqualification from ongoing competitions and/or exclusion from future competitions. m) Withdrawal of a title or award. n) Withdrawal of license. o) Prohibition of selling and/or purchasing tickets.
It should be clarified that, since the match was canceled and not suspended, it will not be resumed, so the most likely outcome is that both teams will be eliminated from the competition, although this is not yet official.
