Huachipato Faces Financial Hit as Security Concerns Force Matches Behind Closed Doors
Talcahuano, Chile – – Huachipato is grappling with significant financial repercussions after being forced to play its home matches behind closed doors, a decision stemming from broader security concerns within Chilean football. Today’s match against Universidad de Chile at the CAP Stadium will proceed without spectators, a measure the club reluctantly accepted to avoid potential suspension of the 2026 National Championship.
The decision, imposed after pressure from security agencies, represents a substantial loss of revenue for Huachipato, estimated to be between 80, 90 and even 100 million pesos. Hernán Rosenblum, the club’s controlling shareholder, expressed his deep regret over the situation, stating, “For us, it is very lamentable to have to play without a public. We went through several stages and requests, accepted at first and then rejected… We find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. If you ask me personally, we shouldn’t have played this weekend and should have looked for a date when our fans could attend.”
The move comes amidst a growing crisis in Chilean football regarding venue security. Recent incidents of violence at other stadiums across the country prompted authorities to demand a total restriction on spectators at Huachipato’s matches. While the club defended the behavior of its own fanbase, the escalating unrest elsewhere led to the preventative measure. Rosenblum lamented that the situation damages the sport as a whole, stating, “What is lost in income is approximately between 80, 90 or even 100 million pesos… It’s just a loss in monetary terms. Here, football in general is damaged.”
The controversy surrounding Huachipato’s situation is further compounded by a recent contentious penalty decision in a match against Universidad de Chile on . A penalty awarded to Universidad de Chile, converted by Leandro Fernández, sparked outrage among Huachipato players and fans, who questioned the referee’s judgment. The incident, reviewed by VAR, was upheld despite indications that it could have been disallowed, fueling accusations of bias. While this earlier incident doesn’t directly relate to the current closed-door policy, it underscores a climate of frustration and distrust surrounding officiating and match management.
The decision to play behind closed doors is not unique to Huachipato. The club’s situation reflects a broader pattern of increased security measures being implemented across Chilean football. On , the Delegación Presidencial of the Biobío Region also did not authorize the match between Huachipato and Universidad de Chile, highlighting the severity of the concerns. This initial non-authorization ultimately led to the agreement to play the match without fans.
Huachipato has also taken a firm stance against disruptive fan behavior, announcing drastic measures, including potential bans of up to 14 years, for individuals involved in incidents. This action mirrors a similar response from Universidad de Chile, demonstrating a league-wide effort to address issues of fan misconduct. The club released a statement outlining the penalties, which were determined after reviewing images and security reports from previous matches.
The financial impact of playing without fans is particularly acute for Huachipato, as ticket revenue represents a significant portion of the club’s income. The loss of this revenue stream will undoubtedly create budgetary challenges and potentially impact the club’s ability to invest in players, and infrastructure. The situation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of clubs reliant on matchday income in a climate of heightened security concerns.
Beyond the financial implications, the absence of fans also diminishes the atmosphere and sporting spirit of the game. Francisco Meneghini’s team will have to navigate this challenge in a “cold atmosphere,” lacking the crucial support of their home crowd. The club acknowledged the disappointment of season ticket holders and fans, who expressed concerns about the degradation of the spectacle due to the inability to control venues effectively.
The current situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of violence and disorder in Chilean football. Authorities, clubs, and fan groups must collaborate to create a safe and welcoming environment for all supporters. Until these issues are resolved, the prospect of continued matches behind closed doors looms large, threatening the financial viability and overall appeal of the sport.
