Independiente Out of Sudamericana as Universidad de Chile Moves Forward to Face Alianza Lima

Independiente has been expelled from the Copa Sudamericana due to violent incidents in Avellaneda, as ruled by Conmebol’s Disciplinary Commission. Universidad de Chile will advance to the quarterfinals, as the second leg was suspended with a score of 1-1, giving Chile the edge after their 1-0 victory in Santiago.

The penalties are significant. Independiente must play its next seven international home matches without fans and cannot take supporters to the same number of away games. The club has also been fined $250,000. Universidad de Chile faces similar penalties, with seven home games without fans and seven away matches barred from traveling supporters, plus a $270,000 fine. Their quarterfinal meetings with Alianza Lima are set for September 18 and 25, with the first leg in Peru and the return in Coquimbo, all without any spectators.

This decision followed a hearing in Luque, Paraguay, where both clubs presented their cases. Independiente argued that visiting fans provoked the violence and requested to either advance in the tournament or continue the match at a neutral site. Conmebol, however, held the host club primarily responsible for security lapses, noting that recommended measures to segregate fans and enhance barriers were not fully enacted.

This incident echoes the 2015 disqualification of Boca Juniors from the Libertadores after River Plate players were attacked with pepper spray. In this recent case, the violence resulted in 111 arrests and 19 injuries, including one serious case, before the match was called off shortly after halftime. Reports showed chaotic scenes, with fights in the stands and a Chilean fan falling from the terrace.

Local authorities also responded. The sports security agency of Buenos Aires province barred Universidad de Chile’s fans from attending matches in the area until December 2027 and imposed stadium bans on 41 Independiente supporters. Club president Néstor Grindetti confirmed that they will appeal to Conmebol’s Appeals Committee.