Government Denies Police Request for Clubs in Stadiums
Government Addresses Security Concerns Raised by Chilean Football Clubs
SANTIAGO, Chile – Amid escalating violence at Chilean football matches, several clubs have publicly appealed for the return of Carabineros, the national police force, to stadium grounds. This request follows a series of incidents involving Colo Colo fans and broader concerns about maintaining order during games.
Jorge Contador, president of Coquimbo Unido, suggested a funding model similar to Argentina’s, where resources are allocated for local police presence at matches. This proposal has gained traction within the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP), the governing body of Chilean professional football.
Government Response: A Shift in Approach
The government, however, has offered a different perspective on the clubs’ request. Minister of Public Security Luis Cordero addressed the issue, signaling a move away from simply reinstating police presence within stadiums, a practise discontinued in 2013.
“Previous administrations have made efforts to address this complex issue,” Cordero stated. “The creation of the Ministry of Security and its assigned powers allows us to address the situation of professional football with a new approach.”
Cordero emphasized that simply redeploying Carabineros represents ”the structural failure of the ability to organize sporting events.” He suggested that while strategic deployment of officers for mass events remains a possibility, a more complete solution is needed.
The minister also issued a warning to potential troublemakers: “If you have committed crimes, do not approach the stadium becuase it is likely to end [badly].” He further announced upcoming meetings with the Professional Footballers Union (Sifup) and mayors of municipalities hosting stadiums.

New programming Table Established
Following meetings between government officials and representatives from Chilean football, ANFP President Pablo Milad announced the formation of a ”programming table.” This group will involve key stakeholders in developing strategies to replace the existing Safe Stadium Plan.
Security Concerns in Chilean Football: Your Questions Answered
What’s the main issue concerning Chilean football clubs and security?
The primary concern is escalating violence at Chilean football matches.Several clubs have publicly requested the return of the Carabineros,the national police force,to stadium grounds to address this.
Why are clubs asking for the Carabineros to return?
Clubs are requesting the presence of Carabineros due to a series of incidents involving fan violence, particularly involving fans of Colo Colo, and broader concerns about maintaining order during games.
What is the proposed solution for funding police presence?
Jorge Contador, the president of Coquimbo Unido, suggested using a funding model similar to Argentina’s. This model would allocate resources for local police presence at matches. This proposal has gained traction within the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP),the governing body of Chilean professional football.
What is the government’s response to the clubs’ request?
the government has offered a different outlook, signaling a move away from simply reinstating police presence within stadiums. Minister of Public Security Luis Cordero stated that a new approach is needed.
Why is the government hesitant to simply reinstate the Carabineros?
Minister Cordero emphasized that simply redeploying Carabineros represents “the structural failure of the ability to organize sporting events.” The practice of having police inside stadiums in Chile was discontinued in 2013. The government believes a more complete solution is needed.
What did minister Cordero say about potential troublemakers?
Minister Cordero issued a warning to potential troublemakers,stating,”If you have committed crimes,do not approach the stadium because it is likely to end [badly].”
What actions is the government taking to address the issue?
The government is moving towards a new approach. Minister Cordero announced upcoming meetings with the Professional Footballers Union (Sifup) and mayors of municipalities hosting stadiums.
What is the “programming table” mentioned in the article?
Following government meetings and discussions with representatives from Chilean football, ANFP President Pablo Milad announced the formation of a “programming table.” This group will involve key stakeholders in developing strategies to replace the existing Safe Stadium Plan.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in addressing football security?
The key stakeholders involved include government officials, representatives from Chilean football clubs, the Professional Footballers Union (Sifup), and mayors of municipalities hosting stadiums.
What are the main points of disagreement between the clubs and the government regarding security?
The main point of disagreement appears to be the approach to security. The clubs want the return of the Carabineros,while the government seeks a more comprehensive solution. The government believes that simply reinstating the police is not a long-term solution and represents a failure in event institution.
Is there any model of funding for local police presence being considered?
Yes, the model suggested by Jorge Contador is similar to Argentina’s in which resources are allocated for local police.
How does Minister Cordero view the existing plan and what will it be replaced with?
Cordero views the existing Safe Stadium Plan as insufficient. it will be replaced with the new strategies developed by Programming Table.
