CONMEBOL to review Santiago venue for Copa Libertadores final

South American football chiefs will meet Tuesday with the presidents of Copa Libertadores finalists River Plate and Flamengo to review plans for this month's showpiece final in Santiago following deadly protests in the Chilean capital. 

CONMEBOL, the South American football authority, said in a tweet it had summoned the chiefs of the Argentine, Brazilian and Chilean associations to a meeting in Asuncion with River Plate's Rodolfo D'Onofrio and Flamengo's Rodolfo Landim.

The body said the meeting will "review all aspects of the organisation" of the final of South America's biggest club competition, scheduled for Santiago on November 23.

The move has sparked rumors of a possible switch in venue after Chile last week pulled out of hosting the November 16-17 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, and the December 2-13 COP 25 climate convention.

Two weeks of street protests against economic hardship have erupted into vandalism, looting and clashes between demonstrators and police, leaving 20 dead.

River's coach Marcelo Gallardo said he was concerned about the situation in Chile.

"We want the problem to be solved there for the good of the people and the match is secondary. Although it's the final of the Copa Libertadores there are more important and delicate situations."

– AFP