Copa Sul-Americana had a drastic change in its programming due to the scenario of strong political instability that affects Bolívia this week. The confrontation between Botafogo and Independiente Petrolero, originally scheduled for the city of Sucre, was transferred at the last minute to Assunção, in Paraguai, by express determination of Conmebol. The decision by South American football’s highest governing body came just three days before the match took place. The official announcement changed the logistical planning of the black and white delegation, which had to redirect the flight and the entire accommodation structure to Paraguayan territory.
The preventive measure was adopted in the face of worsening civil conflicts and road and airport blockades that paralyzed the main transport routes in the Andean country. The board of directors of the Rio club followed with concern the reports of insecurity in Bolivian cities before the confederation’s intervention. Outros continental clashes also suffered the same logistical impact forced by the escalation of popular demonstrations against the local central government. Coach Artur Jorge’s squad seeks to maintain technical focus in the tournament after the sudden change of venue.
Logística forced to change confrontation location
The Botafogo technical committee had to redo all training and rest planning after receiving confirmation of the geographical change of the sporting event. The cast would travel directly to the altitude of Sucre, but the closure of Bolivian air terminals made the safe arrival of the Brazilian team impossible. Dirigentes from Rio de Janeiro football maintained constant contact with representatives of the local federation to guarantee the integrity of the athletes.
The clash will be played this Wednesday, starting at 9pm, at Estádio La Huerta, belonging to Libertad, at Assunção. The choice of the Paraguayan capital took into account the immediate infrastructure available and the proximity to the administrative headquarters of Conmebol to resolve last-minute bureaucratic issues. Torcedores who had purchased tickets for Bolívia tried to recover the amounts from airlines.
Crise Bolivian politics culminated in air blockades
The turbulence that caused the change in Copa Sul-Americana began six months after the Bolivian presidential election, held at the end of last year. The population began massive demonstrations calling for the immediate resignation of president Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025. The ruler, who has a strong family history in local politics, won the second round after rising surprisingly in voting intention polls.
Popular dissatisfaction grew sharply after the government enacted harsh economic measures to contain the recession and fuel shortages in the country. Administrative decisions caused severe readjustments in the national economy in the first months of the current mandate.
- The price of diesel oil increased by 163% at the fuel pumps.
- The amount charged for gasoline immediately increased by 86% for the consumer.
- Surgiram consistent complaints about the distribution of adulterated fuels at public stations.
- Sindicatos of truck drivers and rural producers started permanent pickets on the access highways.
Military Intervenção and repression in La Paz
The blockades of urban roads and highways in the administrative capital, La Paz, were the protesters’ response to the actions of the Estado security forces. Grupos formed by peasants, trade unions and social movements demand the departure of the head of Executivo. The local leaders leading the protests maintain political alignment with former president Evo Morales, who governed Bolívia between 2006 and 2019.
The current president called on the army to clear the paths through Operação Corredor Humanitário, which mobilized thousands of state agents on Saturday. The military action resulted in open clashes with the use of tear gas, stones and homemade explosive devices in the streets. The Bolivian government accuses Evo Morales of coordinating civil unrest with alleged financing of illicit activities linked to drug trafficking. The population in favor of the former ruler reacted by physically occupying the Aeroporto of Chimoré, in the region of Cochabamba, with the clear objective of preventing a possible arrest order against the political leader.
Outro Brazilian club faced the same change
The escalation of civil violence and the complete interruption of airport services forced Conmebol to withdraw multiple clashes from Bolivian territory in this round of competitions. The confederation assessed that the minimum guarantees of public security were not guaranteed for foreign delegations and arbitration teams. The country has faced a deep split on the left since former president Luis Arce gave up seeking re-election due to internal party disputes.
The Mirassol team also had its commitment modified for the same geopolitical reason at the beginning of the current sports week. The team from the interior of São Paulo would play against Always Ready on Bolivian soil, but had to play on Paraguayan soil. The match valid for the same continental round ended with a 2-1 victory for the Brazilians after ninety regular minutes of play. Botafogo is trying to repeat the success of its national rival to secure important points in its journey through the group stage of the club competition.