Controversy over the venue for the Peru-Chile match ignites tensions within the FPF and among fans.

The tension and uncertainty have taken hold of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) amid the controversy over the venue for the match against Chile, scheduled for November 15 as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The recent arrest of Agustín Lozano, president of the FPF, for alleged ties to a criminal organization has exacerbated the already tense atmosphere at Videna, where decisions are clouded by a lack of clarity and direction. However, the main focus of concern now revolves around the choice of stadium, a topic that has sparked criticism and discontent from the highest levels of Peruvian football.

The National Stadium in Lima has traditionally been the venue for the national team's matches, a site that evokes passion and fervor among fans. However, the government has decided to move this match to the Monumental Stadium, claiming the need to ensure security during the APEC summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, which will take place in the same city. This decision has taken the FPF by surprise, which had made logistical plans in advance for the use of the National Stadium.

Juan Carlos Oblitas, general director of the FPF, has not hidden his frustration with this governmental decision. During a recent press conference, he expressed his bewilderment about how, less than two weeks before the match, the authorities can guarantee safety in one stadium but not in another. "If they provide guarantees at the Monumental, I don’t understand why they can’t do so at the National. It’s all very strange," Oblitas stated, reflecting the feelings of many fans and team members.

Oblitas emphasized that the APEC event had been known for a long time and that the FPF had taken the necessary precautions to adapt to this situation. “We knew a year ago that APEC was happening. We did everything to change, thinking we would go to the National. And now, a week before, they don’t give us the guarantees; it’s an outrageous situation,” he said, stressing the discontent over the lack of foresight on the part of the authorities.

Recent history also plays a role in this controversy. Oblitas recalled that in past editions of APEC, there were no issues holding qualifying matches at the National Stadium. This reinforces the perception that the decision made this time lacks logic and consistency. “In the previous APEC, the qualifiers were played without any problems. This is a matter we urgently request to reconsider,” he added, echoing the outcry of fans who see the National as the true home of the national team.

Meanwhile, time is running out, and the match against Chile is approaching quickly. It will be a crucial encounter for both teams, seeking to secure points on their path to the World Cup. The pressure on the team and coaching staff is increasing, not only because of the significance of the match but also due to the uncertainty surrounding the venue. Oblitas and his team hope that the authorities will reconsider their decision, allowing the match to be played at the National Stadium, where the connection with fans is palpable and history is felt in every corner.

This 'Pacific Classic' is not just a sporting confrontation but also a symbol of national identity. The Peruvian national team has managed to build a narrative of struggle and perseverance that resonates with fans, who consider the National Stadium their fortress. Oblitas, along with the players, has expressed a desire to play in the venue that has traditionally been their home, appealing to a sense of belonging that goes beyond football.

On November 19, Peru will face the Argentine national team in a match that promises to be even more challenging. The Albiceleste, current world champions, represent a formidable obstacle, and the pressure of facing two major rivals in such a short time adds an additional layer of challenge. The current situation at the FPF and the uncertainty surrounding the venue only complicate matters in a schedule that is already demanding in itself.

In summary, the controversy over the venue for the match against Chile highlights the need for more effective coordination between sports and governmental authorities. The passion of the fans and the legacy of the Peruvian national team are at stake, and it is crucial that decisions are made that respect both safety and the history of football in the country. With the clock ticking, the protagonists of Peruvian football hope that reason prevails and that the team can play in its true home: the National Stadium.