Libertadores final moved to Peru amid Chile unrest

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The 2019 Copa Libertadores Final has been moved to Peru due to continuing unrest in the Chilean capital Santiago over ongoing violent protests in Chile.

"New circumstances of force majeure and public order, analyzed and evaluated with prudence, considering the safety of the players, the public and the delegations, motivated the decision to take the final of the Copa Libertadores 2019 to Lima, Peru at the date of Nov. 23," said CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body.

It said that the choice of the new venue is based on the offer of the government of Peru, and on the security guarantees it has given.

CONMEBOL added that both finalists -- Brazilian club Flamengo and River Plate from Argentina -- and the football associations of both countries supported this decision.

In August 2018, the South America's football authority had announced that the 2019 final would be held in Chile's capital Santiago.

At least 23 people have been killed during protests in Chile against the government’s economic policies.

The anti-government protests in Chile, which began in response to a now-suspended transport fare hike, turned violent on Oct. 19.

During the unrest, 49 subway stations were destroyed and 26 buses were set on fire.

More than 9,200 people were arrested across the country, according to the Justice Ministry.

The 2019 Copa Libertadores Final will be played between Flamengo and River Plate in Lima on Nov. 23.

The defending Copa Libertadores winners River Plate eye their fifth title in this tournament.

Flamengo won it in 1981, their sole Copa Libertadores title in history.