We have a date, a time and a decision on away fans.
The Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate will be played without opposing fans, sporting officials confirmed today.
The presidents of both Buenos Aires clubs made their decision on Monday, three days after President Mauricio Macri suggested visiting fans would be allowed into stadiums for the crunch Superclásico showdown matches.
Macri's decision went against a 2013 ban on visiting fans in local football aimed at reducing violence. Macri later backtracked and left the decision to the clubs.
AFA President Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia said allowing opposing fans could "cause inconveniences," as he read a prepared statement at a press conference, seated alongside Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici and River Plate President Rodolfo D'Onofrio.
Boca hosts the first leg on November 10 at La Bombonera, and River has the second leg on November 24 at the Monumental. Kick-off times for both matches will be 5pm local time.
"The clubs have reached an agreement so that the final of the Copa Libertadores will be played without the visiting public, on Saturday, November 10 and 24, at 5pm," Tapia confirmed.
Both sides, however, said they saw the "value and recognise the interest of President Mauricio Macri in promoting
the visiting public at these two finals."
- TIMES/AP
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