CONMEBOL Disqualifies Independiente, Imposes $250K Fine, Stadium Bans After Violent Match

CONMEBOL has disqualified Argentina's Independiente from the 2025 Copa Sudamericana following violent incidents during their match against Universidad de Chile, where clashes between fans caused serious injuries and multiple arrests. Despite the Chilean team initiating the disturbances, CONMEBOL controversially advanced Universidad de Chile to the quarter-finals while imposing severe sanctions on Independiente, including fines totaling $250,000 and an order to play 14 games behind closed doors—seven at home and seven away without fans. Independiente condemned the decision as politically motivated, demanding the removal of their references from the CONMEBOL Museum and criticizing what they perceive as favoritism towards Universidad de Chile. CONMEBOL justified the sanctions by citing violations of security and disciplinary regulations holding clubs responsible for the behavior of their fans and stadium safety. The Argentine club is considering appealing the sanctions, not the disqualification itself, but the imposed fines and fan bans. The violent episodes and strict penalties have drawn condemnation from football authorities worldwide, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who called for exemplary sanctions.