CONMEBOL competitions have undergone significant scheduling changes. The governing body officially confirmed the suspension of Independiente Santa Fe vs. River Plate in the Copa Sudamericana, as well as Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores, due to the impact of the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia.

Both matches were scheduled as part of the Round of 16 of their respective competitions, but the emergency situation forced the South American governing body to adjust its plans and prioritize the safety of players, coaching staffs, fans, and everyone involved in organizing the matches.

CONMEBOL Confirms the Suspension of Both Matches

In the hours following the earthquake, CONMEBOL announced that it was assessing the situation before making a final decision regarding the matches scheduled to take place in Colombia.

The organization ultimately confirmed that Santa Fe vs. River Plate, in the Copa Sudamericana, and Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle, in the Copa Libertadores, will not be played on their originally scheduled dates.

River Plate had been scheduled to travel to Colombia for the first leg of its series against Independiente Santa Fe, but those plans were put on hold while the club awaited an official decision.

A similar situation affected Deportes Tolima, which was set to host Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in its Copa Libertadores matchup.

Colombian Soccer Also Suspends Competition

CONMEBOL's decision comes after Dimayor also suspended professional soccer activity in Colombia as a result of the earthquake.

The domestic governing body expressed its solidarity with those affected and stressed that the priority is to follow the recommendations of local authorities and ensure safe conditions before competitions resume.

The decision changes the plans of Independiente Santa Fe and Deportes Tolima, while also forcing River Plate and Independiente del Valle to reorganize their schedules ahead of their respective continental matches.

For now, new dates for both games have yet to be announced. CONMEBOL will have to find room in an already tight calendar to reschedule the two knockout-stage matches.

What is now official is that Santa Fe vs. River Plate, in the Copa Sudamericana, and Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle, in the Copa Libertadores, have been suspended and will not be played as originally scheduled.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube