A powerful earthquake in Colombia has led CONMEBOL to suspend two Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana matches, prioritizing safety and out of respect for the victims.
A high-magnitude seismic event struck Colombia, resulting in significant loss of life and structural damage. Given the severity of the situation, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) announced the suspension of two crucial round-of-16 matches in the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana as a preventive measure and in solidarity with the country.
The decision by the governing body of South American football aims to ensure the safety of everyone involved, from players and coaching staffs to fans, while also showing respect and mourning for the communities affected by the natural disaster. The suspensions come at a delicate time, as the focus shifts toward providing aid to the victims and recovery efforts in the impacted areas.
Postponed Matches and Affected Locations
The suspended matches include the Copa Libertadores fixture between Tolima and Independiente Del Valle, which was set to take place in Ibagué. The city is located 359 km from Quibdó, which has been identified as the epicenter of the earthquake.
In the Copa Sudamericana, the clash between Santa Fe and River Plate, scheduled for Bogotá, has also been postponed. While further from the epicenter (554 km), the Colombian capital also felt the impact of the tremor.
CONMEBOL Prioritizes Safety and Solidarity
Despite their distance from the epicenter, the regions where the matches were to be held were affected. CONMEBOL justified the suspensions due to the need to:
“guarantee the safety of everyone and respect the victims.”
In an official statement, the organization expressed its:
“sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and the injured, as well as to all those affected by this tragedy.”
National State of Emergency
The earthquake, which occurred at 7:34 AM local time (9:34 AM Brasília time) according to geological services in Colombia and the United States, has caused at least 111 deaths and left 87 injured.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency, and various infrastructure projects and buildings have been severely damaged across several parts of the country.
Colombian Football Also Halted
The Major Division of Colombian Football (Dimayor), the body that governs local competitions, has likewise suspended nine matches across its first and second divisions.
The measure was taken:
“after constant monitoring and an assessment of the situation in the various cities and regions of the country affected by the earthquake.”
AFP reported that the fifth round of competitions, scheduled for the weekend, remains on the calendar but is subject to daily re-evaluation.
The local football organization highlighted in a statement:
“In circumstances like these, we believe football should be at the service of the country and support those who need it most.”
Although the tremors were felt in neighboring countries, such as in Quito, Ecuador, there have been no reports of other matches suspended outside of Colombia so far.
The suspension of matches by CONMEBOL and Dimayor reflects the seriousness of the current situation in Colombia, where the priority is recovery and support for the communities impacted by the earthquake. Amidst the tragedy, football is fulfilling its social role of solidarity.
