Overview
- CONMEBOL's Unidad Disciplinaria launched a preliminary investigation under Article 19 and registered the case as UD.IP-01-26 to gather facts about public statements made after the quarterfinal tie.
- A formal summons requires Arias to give a virtual interview on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, so the disciplinary body can record his version and seek any supporting information.
- Arias initially told media that Montevideo City Torque's president offered money to provoke expulsions and then hours later posted a video retracting the claim and apologizing for the lack of evidence.
- Montevideo City Torque's coach said the match 'developed normally,' and CONMEBOL proceeded with the inquiry despite the retraction to assess reputational and regulatory implications.
- The episode grew out of Cienciano's elimination after a 3-0 second-leg loss in Montevideo that overturned a 2-0 first-leg lead and follows a knockout run that had included victories over Lanús and Botafogo.