Through social media, Infantino released a statement in response to the events in Argentina, which left a significant scar on the sport and served as a reminder of what must never happen again.

Infantino stressed that such scenes have no place in soccer, emphasizing that the game must remain a space of respect, integrity, and passion for competition — not violence. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and called for unity within the global soccer community to ensure these actions are not repeated.

“I strongly condemn the shocking violence which led to the cancellation of the Copa Sudamericana last-16 second-leg match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires,” Infantino said. “Violence has no place in soccer — players, fans, staff, officials and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear.”

He went on to underline that proper measures will be taken regarding this situation. “From everyone at FIFA, our thoughts are with all the innocent victims impacted and we expect the relevant authorities to hold those responsible for these barbaric acts to account.”

What happened in the Independiente vs Universidad de Chile match

Independiente faced Universidad de Chile in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 on Wednesday, August 20. However, the match had to be suspended during the second half due to violent clashes in the stands. CONMEBOL later confirmed the cancellation of the game, citing a “lack of security guarantees.”

The problems began in the first half but escalated dramatically after halftime. Universidad de Chile supporters, positioned in the upper section of the stadium, threw “pieces of masonry, brooms, and parts of bathroom fixtures” toward Independiente fans seated below. They also hurled “coins, stones, fireworks, broomsticks, and various projectiles.”

With little visible police intervention, Independiente’s barra brava stormed the visiting section to confront Universidad de Chile fans directly. Reports described brutal fights, people being stripped and beaten, and even individuals falling — or being thrown — from the upper tier to the lower stands.

Referee Gustavo Tejera initially halted play when the situation spiraled out of control and some fans invaded the pitch. Stadium announcers later ordered Universidad de Chile supporters to leave the venue so the match could continue. Both teams retreated to the locker rooms to wait out the evacuation, but conditions only worsened. Ultimately, the suspension was made permanent, and the game was declared canceled.

What decision did CONMEBOL take regarding the match?

More than an hour after the suspension, CONMEBOL issued an official statement. The governing body’s Competitions and Operations Department announced that “due to the lack of security guarantees provided by the host club and local authorities to ensure the continuity of the match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile in the Copa Sudamericana 2025 round of 16, the match has been canceled.” The statement also confirmed that “the case will be referred to CONMEBOL’s judicial bodies for further decisions.”

[Watch Independiente vs River Plate online in the US on Fanatiz]

Group 2 of the Argentine League features a clash at opposite ends of the table as River Plate, revitalized after a sluggish first half of the season and now pushing for the top spots in 2025, take on struggling Independiente.

Marcelo Gallardo’s squad is determined to keep its grip on the upper tier of the standings, while El Rojo, sitting at the bottom with just one point from nine available, are desperate for a breakthrough win to spark a turnaround.

When will the Independiente vs River Plate match be played?

Independiente take on River Plate on Matchday 4 of the Liga Profesional Argentina this Saturday, August 9, with kickoff set for 5:30 PM (ET).

Independiente vs River Plate: Time by State in the USA

ET: 5:30 PM
CT: 4:30 PM
MT: 3:30 PM
PT: 2:30 PM

How to watch Independiente vs River Plate in the USA

The 2025 Liga Profesional Argentina matchup between Independiente and River Plate will be broadcast live in the USA on Fanatiz USA. Other options: TyC Sports Internacional.

[Watch Boca Juniors vs Independiente online for free in the US on Fubo]

The 2025 Argentine Professional League quarterfinals will showcase a high-stakes clash between longtime rivals Boca Juniors and Independiente, two of Argentina’s most decorated clubs on the international stage.

Boca punched their ticket to the next round with a gritty win over Lanus in a penalty shootout, while Independiente secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia. With a semifinal berth on the line, this matchup promises intense drama between two giants of Argentine soccer.

When will the Boca Juniors vs Independiente match be played?

Boca Juniors play against Independiente for the Liga Profesional Argentina quarterfinals this Monday, May 19, with kickoff set for 8:30 PM (ET).

Boca Juniors vs Independiente: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:30 PM

CT: 7:30 PM

MT: 6:30 PM

PT: 5:30 PM

How to watch Boca Juniors vs Independiente in the USA

The 2025 Liga Profesional Argentina matchup between Boca Juniors and Independiente will be broadcast live in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Other options: Fanatiz USA, TyC Sports Internacional.

After an intense scoreless derby against San Lorenzo, River Plate are gearing up for another high-stakes clash. With a slow start to the tournament—two draws and one win—Gallardo’s squad is determined to secure its second home victory.

Standing in their way are Independiente, the sole leader of Zone 2 with a perfect three-win record. Though El Rojo have historically struggled at this venue, they will look to maintain their momentum, while River aim to close the gap at the top of the standings.

When will the River Plate vs Independiente match be played?

River Plate play against Independiente in the Matchday 4 of the Liga Profesional Argentina this Saturday, February 8. The game will kick off at 6:15 PM (ET).

River Plate vs Independiente: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:15 PM

CT: 5:15 PM

MT: 4:15 PM

PT: 3:15 PM

How to watch River Plate vs Independiente in the USA

This 2025 Liga Profesional Argentina game between River Plate and Independiente can be watched live in the USA on Fanatiz USA.

[Watch River Plate vs Independiente online in the US on Fanatiz]

It will be a duel between the extremes of the standings in this derby. On the one hand there will be the locals, River Plate, who are leaders with a difference of 6 points, and of course they want to continue being so. They have 30 points, 6 more than their immediate pursuers and they want to keep it or even increase it.

They come from winning their last game 4-2 against Sporting Cristal for the Copa Libertadores. Their rivals will be Independiente, who have barely been able to get 10 points in 12 games. They come from equalizing 1-1 in the Avellaneda derby (in a game not without controversy), and now they will seek to try to recover to get away from the bottom of the standings.

When will River Plate vs Independiente be played?

The Matchday 13 game of the 2023 Argentine League between River Plate and Independiente will be played at the El Monumental Stadiumtoday, April 23 at 7:30 PM (ET).

River Plate vs Independiente: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 AM

TV channel in the US to watch River Plate vs Independiente

This Matchday 13 game of the 2023 Argentine League between River Plate and Independiente will be broadcast in the United States on Fanatiz and Paramount +. Other options: VIX+, TyC Sports Internacional.

It will be one of the two derbies to be played this weekend (the other being between Racing and River Plate). The local Boca Juniors are one point above Racing after their victory in the week against Gimnasia de La Plata, and they are the main candidates to win the championship since it depends on themselves.

Their rivals will be Independiente de Avellaneda, precisely Racing‘s arch-rivals, who could come to favor their victory, especially because “Rojo” no longer plays for any purpose this year. This has generated suspicions, especially considering that won River would also favor their arch-rivals Boca Juniors. Of course, on Sunday we will see what results from this exciting definition.

Boca Juniors vs Independiente: Kick-Off Time

Boca Juniors will play against Independiente for the Matchday 27 of the 2022 Argentine League today, October 23 at the “La Bombonera” in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina: 4:00 PM
Brazil: 4:00 PM
Canada: 3:00 (EDT)
Costa Rica: 1:00
Croatia: 9:00 PM
Ecuador: 2:00 PM
Israel: 10:00 PM
Jamaica: 2:00 PM
Mexico: 2:00 PM
Portugal: 8:00 PM
Serbia: 9:00 PM
Switzerland: 9:00 PM
Trinidad and Tobago: 3:00 PM
United States: 3:00 PM (ET)

Boca Juniors vs Independiente: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Argentina: ESPN Premium, Star+, ViX
Brazil: Star+, GUIGO, NOW NET and Claro, ESPN3
Canada: Fanatiz Canada
Costa Rica: ViX, Star+
Ecuador: ESPN, Star+, ViX
International: Fanatiz International, AFA Play, Onefootball
Israel: Sports 1
Jamaica: ESPNPlay Caribbean
Mexico: Fanatiz Mexico, ViX, Star+
Portugal: Sport TV6, Sport TV Multiscreen
USA: Paramount+ (free trial), VIX+, TyC Sports International

River Plate come from losing surprisingly against Sarmiento at home, a game in which they were expected to win without major inconveniences. After their elimination from the Copa Libertadores, the “Millonarios” have had many ups and downs, but they trust they can adjust their situation and fight to win the Argentine League.

Independiente have been one of the worst teams this championship, and after several games without victories, only last Matchday they were able to win again (3-0 against Colon de Santa Fe). The institutional disorder in Avellaneda’s team undoubtedly affected the sports part and against River Plate in this game they will be the least favorites.

Independiente vs River Plate: Kick-Off Time

Independiente will play against River Plate for the Matchday 12 of the 2022 Argentine League today, August 7 at the Ricardo Enrique Bochini Stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina.

Brazil: 5:30 PM
Canada: 4:30 PM
Germany: 10:30 PM
Italy: 10:30 PM
Mexico: 7:30 PM
Portugal: 9:30 PM
United States: 4:30 PM (ET)

Independiente vs River Plate: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Brazil: Star+, NOW NET and Claro, GUIGO, ESPN3
Canada: Fanatiz Canada
International: Fanatiz International, Onefootball, AFA Play
Italy: SportItalia
Mexico: Fanatiz Mexico, ViX
Portugal: Sport TV6, Sport TV Multiscreen
USA: ViX, TyC Sports International, Paramount+ (free trial)

Independiente are dealing with some problems outside of the pitch right now. Their 118th Club anniversary came at a bad time with bad recent results for El Rey de Copas. In fact, the team now is managed by Julio Cesar Falcioni that will coach his first game this Sunday at home.

Whereas River Plate are trying to get back on their feet. The team managed by Marcelo Gallardo have lost just once in their last four games in the 2022 Argentine League. Although this is an improvement by Los Millonarios, theylost their last matchup to Sarmiento, one of the worst teams of the league.

Independiente vs River Plate: Date

Independiente will play against River Plate today, August 7, 2022 at 4:30 PM (ET) for Matchday 12 of the 2022 Argentine League. This matchup will be held at Estadio Libertadores de America in Avellaneda. This will be Julio Falcioni’s first game as Independiente’s new coach.

Independiente vs River Plate: Time by State in the US

ET: 4:30 PM
CT: 3:30 PM
MT: 2:30 PM
PT: 1:30 PM

How to watch Independiente vs River Plate in the US

This 2022 Argentine League matchup between Independiente and River Plate will be played on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 4:30 PM (ET) for Matchday 12. It will be available to watch on Paramount+ (Free Trial) for the US. Another option is TyC International.

Independiente have a difficult test in this Derby against Boca Juniors. In their debut in this 2022 Copa de la Liga they lost to Estudiantes (the tournament leaders) and then beat Arsenal and tied 0-0 against Velez Sarsfield. “El Rojo” showed some good virtues, but they could not be convincing.

On the Boca Juniors side, they have shown an improvement compared to their last tournament version. Without being brilliant, they showed a lot of solidity and for that reason they are one of the immediate pursuers of the leaders Estudiantes de La Plata. The “Xeneizes” will seek to closely follow the “Pincharratas” and for that they must get a good result in Avellaneda.

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Match Information

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
Location: Ricardo Enrique Bochini Stadium, Avellaneda, Argentina
Live Stream in the US: Paramount +

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Storylines and Head-to-Head

This Derby is one of the most important in Argentina since they are the two most successful teams in the international level of that country. The last time these two rivals faced each other, it was a 1-0 win for Independiente on Matchday 22 of the 2021 Liga professional. This will be the 188th game in history between them, not counting those from the amateur era.

How to watch or live stream Independiente vs Boca Juniors in the US

The game that will be played today, February 26 at the Ricardo Enrique Bochini Stadium for the Matchday 4 of 2022 Copa de la Liga between Independiente and Boca Juniors will be broadcast in the United States on Paramount + (free trial). Other options: TyC Sports Internacional.

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Predictions and Odds

The Oddsmakers have a favorite for this match. These are the odds according to Caliente: Boca Juniors are the favorite with +110 odds, while Independiente have +275. A tie would finish in a +210 payout.

*Odds via Caliente

El Rojo (W1-D1-L1)return home aiming to get back to winning ways after a sour, goalless draw with Velez Sarsfield. Eduardo Dominguez has certainly brought hope to Avellaneda despitethe club’s financial and political crisis, butthis game will be a huge test for Independiente.

On the other hand, El Xeneize(W2-D1) head into this clash in high spirits. Followinga victory over Rosario Central last weekend, Sebastian Battaglia‘s men aim to pick up their third win in a row.

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Date

Independiente and Boca Juniorswill face each other on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Estadio Libertadores de América – Ricardo Enrique Bochini. Last time they met in Avellaneda last year, El Rojo won 1-0 on Matchday 22 of the 2021 Liga Profesional.

Independiente vs Boca Juniors: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30PM
CT: 6:30PM
MT: 5:30PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch or live stream Independiente vs Boca Juniors in the US

The game to be played between Independiente and Boca Juniors on Matchday4 of the Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022 will be broadcast in the US on Paramount+ (free trial). Other option: Fanatiz.

It will be the first oftwo tournaments that will take place in the Argentine first divisionthis year, in which it isforced to fit its two competitions (Copa de la Liga & Liga Profesional) into a tight schedule due to the Qatar World Cup.

This League Cup will welcome two new teams to the top-flight. The number of participants has increased to 28, which is why the battle for the trophy will be even tougher. Here, take a look at the Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022 format, schedule, teams, and key dates.

Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022 Format

For the second straight year, there were no relegations from the Argentine top-flight in 2021. Tigre and Barracas Centralwere promoted from the Primera Nacional (Argentina’s second tier) so 28 clubs will compete in the Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022 as a result.

The tournament will not be played in a round-robin system like the last Liga Profesional butwill adopt a similar format to the last League Cup (won by Colón). Relegations will resume later this yearafterthe Liga Profesional 2022 concludes in Octoberand will be determined by the Promedios table (the two teams with the worst average from the last three seasons will drop to the second division).

However, the Copa de la Liga 2022will include a Group Stage, where the 28 clubs will be divided into two zones of 14 teams each. Besides the 13 rounds, there will be an interzonal fixture full of derbies.

The top four in each group will qualify for the knockout phase, where the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final will be played in a single leg. The trophy will count as a League Cup and the winner will punch a ticket tothe 2023 Conmebol Copa Libertadores.

The team with the best record will have home advantage in the quarterfinals, while the next two rounds will be played onneutral ground. This is how the Copa de la Liga 2022 quarterfinals will be played:

QF1: Zone A winner vs. Zone B 4th-placed team
QF2: Zone B winner vs. Zone A 4th-placed team
QF3: Zone A 2nd-placed team vs. Zone B 3rd-placed team
QF4: Zone B 2nd-placed team vs. Zone A 3rd-placed team

Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022: Teams & Groups

Zone A

River Plate,San Lorenzo, Racing Club,Talleres, Defensa y Justicia, Sarmiento, Banfield, Argentinos Juniors, Gimnasia, Unión, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético Tucumán, Patronato, and Platense.

Zone B

Boca Juniors, Independiente, Rosario Central, Colón, Huracán, Vélez, Arsenal de Sarandí, Barracas Central, Lanús, Estudiantes, Central Córdoba, Aldosivi, Godoy Cruz, andTigre.

Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022: Key Dates

Group Stage: From February 10 to May 8

Quarterfinals: Wednesday, May 11
Semifinals: Sunday, May 15
Final: Sunday, May 22

How to watch Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022 in the US

To watch the tournamentin the US, Paramount+ (free trial) will have full coverage of the Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022. Some games will be also broadcast on fuboTV (7-day free trial streaming).

Argentine Copa de la Liga Profesional 2022: Schedule

TheCopa de la Liga Profesional 2022 group stage gets underway on Thursday, February 10. Matchday 7 will be a must-watch as it will be the interzonal round – or as they call it in Argentina, “La Fecha de los Clásicos” (the date of the derbies).