Estudiantes de La Plata has advanced its case for Marcos Rojo’s eligibility by submitting formal arguments to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the club confirmed.
While awaiting responses from CONMEBOL and Flamengo, the defender maintains provisional clearance to play in the Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras on November 28.
The Argentine club’s action stems from CONMEBOL’s initial decision to bar Rojo from the first leg of the semifinal against Flamengo. That ruling prompted Estudiantes to seek an injunction from CAS, which was granted and allowed the 36-year-old to feature in the second leg in Rio de Janeiro. The club has now presented the legal foundations supporting its position to the tribunal, as reported by 0221.com.ar.
CAS has formally opened the case, according to a report by Doble Amarilla via Directv Sports. Following Estudiantes‘ submission, the South American football governing body is expected to present its defense in the coming hours. The process will then await a response from Flamengo, which initiated the original challenge.
The legal battle centers on the timing of Rojo’s registration with Estudiantes. CONMEBOL upheld its objection, citing FIFA regulations governing transfer windows. The confederation based its stance on two key articles: its own regulation 3.7.4.1, which links player registrations to FIFA’s transfer statutes, and FIFA’s article 6, which permits player registrations only during the two annual transfer periods defined by each national association.
Despite being cleared locally by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) due to a long-term injury to Gabriel Neves, CONMEBOL argued Rojo’s signing fell outside the permitted international transfer windows and did not qualify for an exception, as detailed by Directv Sports.
Regardless of the ongoing legal proceedings, Rojo’s participation in the final is secured. The provisional authorization granted by CAS remains in effect, meaning he is eligible for the match at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario. The final’s outcome will not be affected by a potential future unfavorable ruling, sources familiar with the matter told 0221.com.ar.
Should the tribunal eventually rule against Estudiantes, the consequences would likely be limited. The club could face a financial penalty, or Rojo might be suspended for a specific number of matches, but these measures would not alter the result of the final, the report stated.
Palmeiras has removed itself from the dispute. The Brazilian club, initially included as a potential final party, opted out of the legal challenge. Palmeiras’ president, Leila Pereira, had previously dismissed the complaint from Flamengo as “ridiculous,” and the club has chosen not to pursue further involvement.
Fluminense, another potential finalist, was also named in the initial complaint but has since distanced itself, leaving the conflict between Estudiantes, CONMEBOL, and Flamengo as the primary focus.
The next major date in the tournament is the final itself. The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. The final resolution on the Rojo case is not expected before that match, but his eligibility for the game is not in question.
Estudiantes will now wait for the CAS to review the full submissions from all parties before delivering a final verdict on the matter. The club’s focus is set on the upcoming championship match, with Rojo available for selection.
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