The League Cup final between Coquimbo Unido and O'Higgins of Rancagua has been postponed again. This Tuesday, the Presidential Delegation for the Metropolitan Region did not authorize the match at Claro Arena, which was scheduled for Friday, October 16.
According to BioBioChile, authorities inspected Universidad Católica's stadium, located in the Andean foothills of Las Condes, following the mudslide that affected the municipality last Thursday. The venue will remain unavailable for another two weeks, according to El Rancaguino.
The Delegation also rejected the alternative plan proposed by the National Professional Football Association (ANFP), which called for the final to be played at Santa Laura stadium. No new date has been confirmed so far.
According to the newspaper El Día, cited by BioBioChile, the Delegation based its decision on three factors: the consequences of the mudslide in Las Condes, the commemoration of the social uprising and concerts by the South Korean group BTS at the National Stadium.
This is the second postponement of the deciding match. In July, storms that hit the country's north-central region had already forced the match to be called off. Now, according to El Día, the ANFP has begun last-minute efforts to move the match to another region.
More than a trophy is at stake. The winner secures the Chile 3 berth in the 2027 Copa Libertadores, a significant sporting and financial prize for both squads.
Speaking from Rancagua, O'Higgins FC director Matías Ahumada called for swift action. "We need to give our people clarity and certainty. We need to give our squad clarity and certainty. We need this decision to be made as soon as possible," he told Radio Bienvenida.
Ahumada, however, avoided setting deadlines. "I could hardly give you a deadline when the decision and the authority will rest with the authorities that authorize the match," he said. He added that he understands the institutions are responding to a crisis they did not cause.
On the sporting side, the director acknowledged that the uncertainty is affecting the squad ahead of a final that could mark a milestone in the club's history. Even so, he backed the team: "They have done well, despite the uncertainty," he said, expressing confidence in their technical and emotional capacity.
The sources do not include Coquimbo Unido's position. The decision rests with the ANFP and the authorities of whichever region may eventually agree to host the match.
