Football referees appointed for key matches in Bolivia and South America

In the Bolivian League, referee Gabriel Mendoza has been selected to officiate the match between The Strongest and Always Ready at the Hernando Siles stadium. Mendoza, who has officiated only four league matches this year, was chosen by the Bolivian Football Federation's Referees Commission. Other selected officials included Jordy Alemán, Vladimir Rueda, Luis Villarroel, and Bruno Vera. The selection follows FIFA recommendations that prevent a referee from officiating two consecutive matches involving the same club; consequently, top-rated referees Gery Vargas and Ivo Méndez were unavailable for this specific fixture.

In South American football, Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera has been appointed to lead the officiating crew for the return match between Estudiantes and Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro. Tejera, a veteran within CONMEBOL, has a mixed history with Estudiantes, having officiated several of their previous international matches. The officiating team will consist entirely of Uruguayan officials, including assistants Nicolás Tarán and Carlos Barreiro, fourth official José Burgos, and VAR Antonio García.