Estudiantes faces a deadlock with Conmebol over the visitor section capacity at its stadium, the UNO, threatening its home advantage in the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo.
As anticipation builds for the Copa Libertadores semifinal, a crucial detail off the pitch adds tension to the matchup between Argentina’s Estudiantes and Flamengo. The Argentine club, set to host the first leg on October 15, has yet to have its stadium confirmed by Conmebol, which lists the venue as “to be confirmed” in its official records.
The core of the issue lies in the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, known as UNO, meeting the South American governing body’s stringent requirements for the tournament’s decisive stages. The main hurdle is the section designated for visiting fans, which currently does not meet the minimum number stipulated by Libertadores regulations.
Conmebol‘s Requirements and UNO‘s Capacity
According to the Conmebol Club Manual, stadiums hosting matches from the semifinals onwards must have a minimum total capacity of 30,000 spectators. Furthermore, the regulations explicitly require at least 4,000 seats dedicated exclusively to visiting supporters. While the UNO, with its 32,000 seats, meets the total capacity requirement, its visitor section accommodates only 2,000 fans, half of what is mandated.
This regulatory gap forces Estudiantes to seek an immediate solution to avoid relocating the home game for such an important match. The Argentine club’s board is already in contact with Conmebol and maintains dialogue with Flamengo, which insists on the full fulfillment of the 4,000 available seats.
Proposed Solutions to the Impasse
Two possibilities emerge as alternatives for Estudiantes. One involves adapting another area within the UNO itself, aiming to expand the space for Flamengo’s fans and thus reach the minimum number required by Conmebol without having to change stadiums. This option would be the home club’s preference.
Another suggestion raised behind the scenes involves reciprocity: the Argentine fans would also receive only 2,000 tickets for the return leg at the Maracanã. However, Flamengo has positioned itself against this idea, insisting on an alternative that preserves safety and meets the necessary conditions set forth by the regulations.
Safety and compliance with regulations are non-negotiable. Flamengo seeks to ensure its fans have adequate and safe access, in accordance with Conmebol‘s guidelines, without compromising the minimum conditions in such a decisive confrontation.
Possible Scenarios and the Return Leg
Should none of the proposed solutions be approved or if Estudiantes fails to comply, a stadium change will be unavoidable. The Argentine press points to Racing‘s home ground, the Cilindro de Avellaneda, and Lanús‘s La Fortaleza as potential alternative venues for the semifinal.
Conmebol, despite not setting an official deadline for the decision, is pressuring Estudiantes for a swift response, emphasizing the need to comply with regulations. Meanwhile, the second and decisive clash between Flamengo and Estudiantes already has its venue and date confirmed: October 22, at the iconic Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
By Equipe M360
