There is one obvious downside with this year's decision to switch the final of the Copa Libertadores to a one-off game at a neutral venue. The traditional, two-legged home and away format gave more fans a chance to be there. Distances are vast in South America, travel is expensive and income is badly distributed, making it very hard for the average fan to make the trip -- especially when the venue is changed at short notice. Instead of Santiago, Chile, the first edition of the  new format final...

The Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and River Plate has been moved to Lima, Peru from Santiago, Chile due to continuing unrest in the Chilean capital, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said on Tuesday.

The Nov. 23 final was due to be held at the National stadium, but Santiago has been beset by violence over the last few weeks as protests that began over a rise in metro fares have amplified and spread.

Millions have since marched against inequality in what have become...

River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo said he is "worried" that protests in Chile could force a change in venue for his side's Copa Libertadores final against Flamengo on Nov. 23.

Chile's government and CONMEBOL on Wednesday insisted that the final is set to go ahead in Santiago, despite Chilean President Sebastian Pinera having called off the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and U.N. global climate gatherings earlier that day due to the unrest.

But the concerns remain a year after the return...

Boca Juniors had been waiting 10 months to gain revenge over bitter rivals River Plate for last year's final of the Copa Libertadores. And they had been waiting three weeks to gain revenge for the 2-0 first leg defeat in this year's semifinal.

They then had to wait an extra 15 minutes while the ticker tape was removed from their home pitch. Twice the countdown to the kick off started and twice it was halted while the playing surface was cleaned. Not that paper on the pitch would prove too much of...