Copa Sudamericana Match Relocated Due to Devastating Venezuelan Earthquake

A significant earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 has led to the relocation of a Copa Sudamericana playoff match between Brazilian club Santos and Venezuelan side Universidad Central. Originally scheduled to be played in Caracas, the fixture will now take place in Valencia.

The seismic event, which had its epicenter near Morón approximately 200 kilometers from Caracas, caused extensive destruction across the country. Reports from local media, as cited by Ole, indicate that over 4,000 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands were injured, creating a national tragedy.

Por que importa

In light of the devastation and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football, made the decision to alter the match’s venue. The first leg of the playoff, which was set to occur on Tuesday, July 21, will now be held in the Polideportivo Misael Delgado stadium in Valencia, located about 175 kilometers from the Venezuelan capital.

Key facts

The Copa Sudamericana playoff pits Santos, who finished second in Group D of the competition, against Universidad Central, who placed third in Group H of the Copa Libertadores. The winner of this tie will advance to face Macará, another Venezuelan team, in the next round.

The second leg of the match between Santos and Universidad Central is scheduled to take place as planned a week later at Santos’ home stadium, Vila Belmiro.

The relocation of this international fixture underscores the profound impact the earthquake has had on Venezuela, extending beyond its immediate human toll to affect major sporting events and their logistical arrangements. Football authorities are demonstrating a commitment to supporting affected regions by adapting schedules and venues when necessary.

Other Copa Sudamericana fixtures scheduled around the same date include:

Nacional vs. Tigre
Ida: Tuesday, July 21, 7:00 PM in Montevideo
Vuelta: Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 PM in Victoria

UCV FC vs. Santos
Ida: Tuesday, July 21, 9:30 PM in Valencia
Vuelta: Tuesday, July 28, 9:30 PM in Santos

Independiente Medellín vs. Vasco da Gama
Ida: Wednesday, July 22, 7:00 PM in Medellín
Vuelta: Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 PM in Rio de Janeiro

Lanús vs. Cienciano
Ida: Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 PM in Lanús
Vuelta: Wednesday, July 29, 9:30 PM in Cusco

Sporting Cristal vs. RB Bragantino
Ida: Wednesday, July 22, 9:30 PM in Lima
Vuelta: Wednesday, July 29, 9:30 PM at a venue to be determined

Bolívar vs. Grêmio
Ida: Thursday, July 23, 7:00 PM in La Paz
Vuelta: Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM in Porto Alegre

Santa Fe vs. Caracas
Ida: Thursday, July 23, 9:30 PM in Bogotá
Vuelta: Thursday, July 30, 9:30 PM in Caracas

Boca Juniors vs. O’Higgins
Ida: Thursday, July 23, 9:30 PM in Buenos Aires
Vuelta: Thursday, July 30, 9:30 PM in Rancagua

The decision to move the match highlights the challenges faced by sporting organizations in responding to natural disasters and prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved.

Source: Ole, https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/sudamericana/santos-copa-sudamericana-terremoto-venezuela-cambio_0_nF1BI3Q4GD.html