Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã had barely emptied after Estudiantes de La Plata’s shoot-out victory when the Libertadores semi-final acquired a legal aftertaste. Flamengo have submitted a formal challenge to Conmebol over the participation of defender Marcos Rojo in Thursday’s return leg.
The Brazilian club argue that Rojo was not eligible to play for Estudiantes. Conmebol had previously refused to register the 36-year-old for the competition before the first semi-final, Flamengo contend.
Quick facts
- Flamengo lodged its complaint with Conmebol on Friday.
- The case concerns Marcos Rojo’s appearance for Estudiantes in the second leg at the Maracanã.
- Estudiantes won the tie on penalties and reached the Copa Libertadores final.
- Rojo recently joined the La Plata club after ending his contract with Racing Club.
- Estudiantes will meet Palmeiras in the final on 28 November at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario.
Estudiantes challenged Conmebol’s registration decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, known as CAS, and sought interim protection that would allow Rojo to be selected for the match in Rio.
The Argentine side went on to eliminate Flamengo on penalties, securing a place in the continental final. Rojo’s status is now at the centre of Flamengo’s submission, with the club questioning whether Estudiantes could lawfully field their recent signing.
Estudiantes’ reward on the pitch is a meeting with Palmeiras, another Brazilian opponent, in Uruguay. The final is scheduled for 28 November at the Centenario, where the La Plata club will seek to turn a turbulent semi-final week into a Libertadores triumph.
