Unusual security deployment for Copa Libertadores final in Ecuador

The National Police of Ecuador is preparing strict security measures for the final of the Copa Libertadores 2022, between the Brazilian teams Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense, which will be played in Guayaquil, a city plunged in crime and violence.

Thousands of Brazilian fans have arrived in Guayaquil to watch the Copa Libertadores final, organized by Conmebol, between Brazil’s Flamengo of Rio de Janeiro and Athletico Paranaense of Curitiba, to be played on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Isidro Romero Carbo Monumental Stadium.

The National Police of Ecuador has arranged a large police deployment to ensure the safety of the athletes and the thousands of Brazilian fans arriving in the city.

The general of the National Police of Ecuador, Víctor Hugo Zárate, commander of Zone 8 of Guayaquil, stated in a press conference that 10,000 policemen and 400 members of the Army would guard the security of Guayaquil on the occasion of the final of the Copa Libertadores 2022.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the Monumental Stadium will become “the most secure place in Ecuador”, according to Zárate, who pointed out that the arrangements for the final were planned for five months.

Traffic will not be able to circulate within the three-kilometer security cordon established around the stadium.

There will be three police fences for the entrance to the stadium, to separate the supporters of both teams, ensure the authenticity of the tickets to the show, and personal registration.

Police deployment is intended to deter any criminal activity.

Guayaquil is going through a serious crisis of insecurity and violent crime associated with organized crime, drug trafficking, and hired killings, with criminal groups that have even perpetrated car bombings and bloody prison incidents.