Soccer-CONMEBOL pledges strong sanctions following Copa Sudamericana fan violence

A detained Universidad de Chile fan is being escorted to a police van after clashes with Independiente supporters during the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 match, which was suspended due to violence in the stands, with the Chilean side leading on aggregate, in Avellaneda, Argentina August 21, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez

(Reuters) -CONMEBOL on Thursday condemned the fan violence that forced the abandonment of the Copa Sudamericana last-16 tie between Independiente and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires, which left several injured and led to multiple arrests, vowing firm sanctions in response.

South American football's governing body halted Wednesday’s match at Independiente’s Libertadores de America stadium shortly after the start of the second half amid growing security concerns, with the match level at 1-1 and the Chilean side leading 2-1 on aggregate.