The city leadership of Medellín announced a sudden change to a scheduled Libertadores Cup match, citing security concerns and the lack of guarantees for a peaceful environment around the venue. The decision impacted the match originally planned to be held at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, forcing the clubs to seek an alternative arrangement for the date in question.
Officials explained that the conflict between local groups and the stadium surroundings created an unsustainable situation for hosting a continental fixture in Medellín on the designated Thursday. A joint meeting involving the Mayor’s Office, the football club, and supporters’ groups was held to evaluate possible options. The outcome was that the match could not be staged in the city because sufficient assurances of safety could not be guaranteed in time for the kickoff. The municipal leadership noted that CONMEBOL had indicated a firm cutoff time, pressing for a definitive decision by 5 p.m. on the day in question so that an alternative venue could be arranged.
In remarks delivered after the lengthy discussions, the mayor stressed that the chosen path was not taken lightly. The aim was to protect public order while ensuring that the teams could compete under conditions that would not expose fans or officials to unnecessary risk. The spokesperson also confirmed that CONMEBOL had been clearly informed of the decision and that coordination with the competition body would continue to identify a viable, safe solution for future matches at a neutral or alternative home venue if needed.
The local authorities acknowledged that the decision reflected a balance between hosting the fixture and preserving security. While many in the community expressed disappointment, there was a recognition that peace and safety could not be guaranteed under the current circumstances. Observers noted the prior weekend’s incidents, which involved clashes among supporters and security forces, as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in staging such events in the city. These events underscored the necessity for careful planning and ongoing dialogue among all parties before a decision could be made about the club’s home fixtures in Medellín.
Unofficial reports suggested that the Peruvian opponent might be invited to move the game to a different city, with Barranquilla mentioned as a provisional site at the Metropolitano Stadium, subject to formal confirmation by the governing federation. The situation highlighted the sensitivity surrounding match logistics, fan safety, and the responsibilities of local authorities to manage large crowds in line with national regulations and international standards.
Looking ahead, the dialogue table announced plans to reconvene to align the involved parties and explore options that would allow the club to sustain its home presence at the Atanasio Girardot whenever feasible. The next scheduled discussions aimed to produce a clear path forward that would satisfy the requirements of the federation, the competing teams, and the supporters who travel to games with high expectations for a secure and orderly experience.
As the timeline for responses remains tight, the football community awaits further guidance from CONMEBOL and the city’s leadership. The overarching concern remains the safety of fans, staff, and players, with the hope that a workable solution will emerge that preserves competitive integrity while upholding public safety standards. For followers and stakeholders, the episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for coordinated planning, clear communication, and a shared commitment to peaceful, secure sporting events in the region.
Source: Goal [citation]