Boyacá Chicó President Criticizes Poor Pitch Condition Before América Match
In a heated controversy surrounding the Liga BetPlay, Nicolás Pimentel, president of Boyacá Chicó, expressed severe criticism over the poor condition of the pitch at Estadio La Independencia. His comments came just days before a crucial match against América de Cali, scheduled for November 6, 2023.
Poor Pitch Conditions Raise Concerns
The football match was originally set for October 30 but faced postponement due to the venue’s involvement in the Festival Internacional de la Cultura Campesina. The festival featured performances from numerous artists, including Marco Antonio Solis and Silvestre Dangond.
Pimentel described the field as having “very ugly” conditions, emphasizing the importance of quality grass for a professional football game. He lamented the state of the pitch, stating, “It’s not a field suitable for professional football,” and voiced his distress over the upcoming match’s compromised integrity.
Impact of Non-Sporting Events
- Event Type: Festival Internacional de la Cultura Campesina
- Artists Featured: Marco Antonio Solis, Los Amigos Invisibles, Silvestre Dangond, and others
- Match Date: November 6, 2023
- Original Match Date: October 30, 2023
Following the festival, images circulated depicting significant issues with the pitch, including numerous depressions and damaged grass due to inadequate light exposure during the event. Sport journalist Quique Son commented on the situation, noting that conditions had deteriorated further following the concerts.
Liga BetPlay’s Scheduling Challenges
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within Liga BetPlay regarding event scheduling. The Dimayor organization has raised concerns about how these non-sporting events impact football schedules. They called for better coordination with local authorities to avoid future conflicts.
As Boyacá Chicó prepares for this match, they find themselves unable to qualify for the semifinals, while América de Cali needs a victory to remain in contention for the playoffs. The outcome of this match not only affects standings but also tests the resilience of players amid controversies over pitch conditions.
