The edition honors Antonio Puerta XII, named after the Nervión club star who passed away in 2007.
Sevilla, the Europa League champions, will meet Independiente del Valle, the most recent Copa Sudamericana titleholder. The game is scheduled for July 19 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. It is part of the UEFA CONMEBOL Club Challenge, yet questions persist: the winner will not receive a star for their trophy case…
Why the UEFA CONMEBOL Club Challenge between Sevilla and Independiente del Valle isn’t counted as an official title
The official UEFA page clarifies the situation: the match is described as a friendly, with both clubs agreeing to an unlimited number of substitutions and three pauses, in line with standard UEFA club competition rules. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, there is no extra time; the winner is decided by a penalty shootout.
UEFA also explains the broader purpose of this confrontation: it forms part of a broader collaboration with CONMEBOL. This partnership covers women’s football, futsal, youth categories, referee exchanges, technical training programs, and events like the Finalissima, where the women’s national teams face the EURO champions against the Copa América champions, in a showcase of cross-continental cooperation.
Additionally, the Sevilla versus Independiente del Valle match will carry the Antonio Puerta XII name in tribute to the late Nervión club player who died in 2007.
Could this be a pilot program?
There are strong indications that this duel could, in time, be recognized as an official fixture. If that happens, both clubs might add a star to their crest to reflect a historic victory in a recognized competition. Yet for now, the question remains open, and outcomes will only be known with future decisions and confirmation from the organizing bodies.
Notes on the source of information are provided for context and attribution: this overview reflects reporting from Goal, and mirrors the ongoing discussions about the status and future potential of this contest.