Copa Simón Bolívar Kicks Off Without VAR Amidst Infrastructure Challenges

The upcoming edition of the Copa Simón Bolívar is poised to kick off, once again serving as Bolivia's crucial pathway for amateur clubs to ascend to the professional ranks. This tournament, steeped in national football tradition, represents a vital opportunity for teams across the country to vie for a coveted spot in the División Profesional. The commitment to staging this event, despite logistical hurdles and the expansion to include 72 clubs and new associations, highlights the dedication of the División Aficionados leadership.

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Chuquisaca comenzará mañana por un tema de programación internacional, ya que el estadio no estaba disponible días antes por la Copa Sudamericana

Edwin Callapino, vice president of División Aficionados, has confirmed the tournament's start and detailed the competitive structure. A notable aspect is the revamped regional phase, designed to standardize the competition across all participating associations. This move aims to ensure a more equitable and engaging preliminary stage before the teams advance to the final group stages. The inclusion of more clubs signifies a growing interest and participation in amateur football, a positive sign for the sport's grassroots development in Bolivia.

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Ahora todas las asociaciones jugarán bajo un mismo sistema. Habrá dos grupos de cuatro equipos; los dos mejores avanzan a una segunda fase, también en grupos de cuatro, donde se jugará todos contra todos para definir a los clasificados

However, the perennial issue of financial constraints looms large, particularly concerning the implementation of advanced technology. The prohibitive cost of VAR, estimated at $4,500 per match plus referee fees, makes its inclusion unfeasible for this edition. While the possibility of introducing the FSV (Video Review System) in later stages is being explored, contingent on securing a specific sponsor, the current reality for the Copa Simón Bolívar is a return without VAR. This decision, while understandable from a budgetary perspective, underscores the ongoing challenge of modernizing football infrastructure at the amateur level in Bolivia, a sentiment echoed by Callapino's emphasis on improving facilities and securing long-term land use for amateur clubs.

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No está previsto para esta edición, principalmente por el costo. Implementarlo implica alrededor de 4.500 dólares por partido, además de los honorarios arbitrales