THE Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and River Plate has been moved to Lima in Peru from Santiago due to the continuing unrest in the Chilean capital, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said Tuesday.

The Nov. 23 final was due to be held at the National stadium, but Santiago has been beset by violence over the last few weeks as protests that began over a rise in metro fares have amplified and spread.

Millions have since marched against inequality in what have become the biggest protests seen in Chile since the country’s return to democracy in 1990.

Representatives from both Copa finalists and the Argentine and Brazilian soccer associations met at continental governing body CONMEBOL’s headquarters for almost five hours before deciding the game will now take place in the Peruvian capital.

“We understand that the most viable option for everyone, and with guarantees from the Peruvian government, is that the game is played in Lima,” said Alejandro Dominguez, CONMEBOL’s president.

Dominguez said officials had not yet decided which stadium will host the match.

The decision to move the final to Peru comes six days after Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said the country was withdrawing as host of the Nov. 16-17 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting and the Cop 25 climate change conference scheduled for Dec. 2-13.

(SD-Agencies)