After an initial ban, the Metropolitan Regional Presidential Delegation has approved 2,000 Boca Juniors fans for their Copa Libertadores debut against Universidad Católica at Claro Arena in Santiago on Tuesday, April 7. The decision followed a meeting between delegate Germán Codina and UC president Juan Tagle, with Conmebol intervention and enhanced security measures including segregated areas and coordination with Argentina's Tribuna Segura.
Boca Juniors, coached by Claudio Úbeda, will debut in the Copa Libertadores—after a two-year absence—against Universidad Católica at Claro Arena on Tuesday, April 7. They are drawn in a group with Cruzeiro and Barcelona SC.
Initially, Chilean authorities imposed a visitor fan ban on Monday due to security concerns raised by Las Condes mayor Catalina San Martín, with UC announcing no away fans. The decision was reversed following lobbying by Boca, Conmebol's mandate for minimum away allocation, and a Thursday meeting between regional presidential delegate Germán Codina and Cruzados president Juan Tagle at the Ministry of Public Security.
Codina praised UC's security reinforcements, including a 25% increase in private guards, portable and body cameras, 24-hour pre-match supervision, strict fan separation, and registration in Chile's national fan system. Coordination with Argentina's Tribuna Segura will check IDs and bar fans with admission bans, ensuring segregated circulation.
"La UC ha entendido lo importante de reforzar distintas medidas de seguridad," Codina said. "We will allow the 2,000 Boca fans provided Cruzados meets the conditions."
Tagle expressed reservations about Conmebol's stance but welcomed the agreement: "We found a good response from the government [...] We are very happy." The Ignacio Prieto stand is reserved for Boca fans, displacing UC season ticket holders to Fouillioux or Livingstone stands or offering compensation. No general ticket sales will occur.
