MADRID, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The celebration of the second leg of the Copa Libertadores between Argentinean sides, River Plate and Boca Juniors in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Dec. 9 is uncertain after River Plate on Saturday issued a statement rejecting the decision.
Despite being in a different continent, the Bernabeu was confirmed as the venue for the return leg of the South American Championship on Thursday after the postponement of the second meeting between the two teams from Buenos Aires last Saturday after violent incidents inside and outside of River's Estadio Monumental, which saw stones and other missiles hurled at the Boca team bus as it arrive at the stadium.
Several windows were broken and some Boca players affected by both flying glass and the teargas used to disperse the River Plate fans who had provoked the violence.
FIFA and The South American Football Federation decided on Thursday that the Bernabeu should be the alternative venue for the game and the decision was given the OK by the Spanish government and the Madrid Regional Authority, despite the obvious logistical and security issues it poses.
However, River Plate have now "rejected the change of venue," in an official statement, which adds, "the club decides the decision devalues the competition, prejudices those who bought tickets and affects the equality of conditions through the loss of playing at home."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino showed himself to be annoyed by the statement, commenting that "the ball cannot be stopped; the game has to be played."
The winner of the Copa Libertadores will play in the World Club Cup, which is due to kick off in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 12, leaving very little time for the issue to be resolved.
