Boca lodge CONMEBOL protest after Católica bar away fans in Chile | OneFootball

Boca Juniors have lodged a formal protest with CONMEBOL after Universidad Católica moved to stage their Copa Libertadores match in Chile without away supporters, insisting the tournament’s rule guaranteeing at least 2,000 visiting tickets must be enforced.

Universidad Católica said in a statement that the game in Chile will be played without visiting fans, following a ban by Chile’s Metropolitan Presidential Delegation on foreign supporters at Claro Arena.

Boca rejected an earlier offer of 450 tickets as insufficient and not compliant with competition regulations. The club argue that security cannot be used as a pretext to override supporters’ rights and the rules of the competition.

They have proposed moving the fixture to an alternative venue if the original stadium cannot meet the regulatory requirements that allow both sets of fans to attend.

Boca have also requested a formal guarantee that Universidad Católica will not seek an allocation for the return leg at La Bombonera. The move aims to avoid potential sanctions, which could follow if Boca were to deny entry unilaterally without an agreement or an official ruling.

A decision from CONMEBOL is still pending, leaving the situation unresolved ahead of the Group D clash on seven April. Boca maintain their firm stance that only full compliance with the regulations will ensure sporting fairness.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar