Flamengo contests Estudiantes' use of Marcos Rojo in Libertadores semifinal

Flamengo has filed a formal complaint with CONMEBOL seeking to overturn its elimination from the Copa Libertadores semifinal. The Brazilian club is contesting the eligibility of Estudiantes defender Marcos Rojo, who participated in the decisive second leg at the Maracanã.

The dispute centers on Rojo's registration. Estudiantes requested his inclusion to replace an injured player, but CONMEBOL rejected the request twice after consulting FIFA, noting that the Argentine transfer window had closed on September 2 and Rojo had played for Racing until September 27. While the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) granted Estudiantes a provisional injunction allowing Rojo to play, Flamengo argues this did not exempt the club from potential sporting or disciplinary sanctions.

Flamengo maintains it did not initiate the legal proceedings but joined the CAS process after being named a party by Estudiantes. The club is seeking a resolution before the final, scheduled for November 28, potentially citing a 2018 precedent where a match was awarded to a team due to an ineligible player. Estudiantes has expressed confidence in the legality of the player's inclusion and has reportedly declined to accelerate the legal timeline.