The inaugural Copa de la Liga final between Coquimbo Unido and O’Higgins remains without a confirmed venue after municipal authorities in Valparaíso declined to authorize the match at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander. The fixture, designed to crown the first champion of the newly established tournament, was originally slated for a neutral-site clash in Playa Ancha on July 18 before severe weather and widespread winter storms forced a postponement across several Chilean regions.
Faced with the rejection from port authorities, tournament organizers at the Federación de Fútbol de Chile’s governing body, la Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP), activated a contingency plan. The organization formally petitioned the Delegación Presidencial de la Región Metropolitana to relocate the decisive match to Santiago.
Santiago Venues Under Consideration for the Decisive Match
According to reports from El Rancagüino, the ANFP has put forward two primary stadiums in the capital to host the rescheduled final. The targeted grounds are Claro Arena, located in the commune of Las Condes, and Estadio Santa Laura, situated in Independencia. A third alternative was also evaluated by tournament officials, though that option is expected to be discarded once the Presidential Delegation officially issues its ruling on holding the fixture in the Santiago metropolitan area.
The potential shift to the capital alters the logistical travel burden for both finalists. While O’Higgins of Rancagua faces a shorter journey north to Santiago, Coquimbo Unido will be forced to log significantly more travel miles from the northern coast to contest the trophy.
A Rescheduled Final Marked by Weather Delays
This championship match carries a lengthy delay. The showdown was initially locked in for July 18, but persistent heavy rain and severe weather emergencies paralyzed multiple regions of Chile, making safe stadium operations and fan transit impossible. The ANFP rescheduled the fixture for Saturday, October 17, preserving the single-match neutral-venue format intended to decide the tournament’s inaugural winner.
With the calendar advancing toward the mid-October target date, final operational clearances from regional security authorities remain the final hurdle before tickets and kickoff times can be locked down for the travelling supporters of both clubs.
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