Football: Copa Libertadores
Published Wednesday, October 21, 5:50 p.m. ET (6:50 p.m. Buenos Aires) · Source: Estudiantes statement, as reported by Argentine media
The sports court that settles disputes between clubs and football’s governing bodies has cleared defender Marcos Rojo to play for Estudiantes against Flamengo on Thursday.
Estudiantes de La Plata announced on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled in its favour, a little over a day before the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final. Rojo, 36, a former Manchester United and Argentina defender, can now play at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. Rio and Buenos Aires).
The tie is level at 0-0 after the first leg, and the winner reaches the Copa Libertadores final 2026, set for 28 November in Montevideo, Uruguay. Estudiantes, the Argentine club from La Plata and four-time Libertadores champion, face Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro club.
Key Facts
—Ruling. The Court of Arbitration for Sport granted Estudiantes an interim order, announced on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
—Player. Marcos Rojo, 36, is added to Estudiantes’ official Libertadores squad list.
—Kick-off. Thursday, 22 October 2026, 8:30 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. Rio and Buenos Aires).
—Venue. Maracanã stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
—Score so far. Estudiantes 0, Flamengo 0 after the first leg on 15 October.
In plain English
Football’s South American body, CONMEBOL, refused to let Estudiantes register a new player for the Libertadores, the continent’s top club tournament. The club appealed to an independent sports court in Switzerland, which has now said the player may be listed.
What the Court Decided
The CAS granted a precautionary measure, meaning an urgent order while the wider dispute continues. It told CONMEBOL to admit Rojo to the “good faith list”, the official squad list for the Copa Libertadores 2026.
Estudiantes had argued that CONMEBOL approved identical registrations in other cases. The reports reviewed do not give the court’s reasoning or say when a final ruling will come.
Why Rojo Was Left Out
Rojo left Racing Club and returned to Estudiantes, the club where he began his career. CONMEBOL then rejected his registration for the Libertadores, and he missed the first leg, according to Argentine reports.
Argentine media reported that he was cleared to play in domestic competitions but not in the Libertadores, and that CONMEBOL found the registration did not comply with FIFA regulations. Estudiantes disagreed and took the case to the CAS.
What Is at Stake on Thursday
The first leg ended 0-0 at Estudiantes’ stadium in La Plata, so one goal could swing the tie. Each club plays one match at home in the two-legged semi-final, and Flamengo has the second leg at the Maracanã, one of the world’s best-known stadiums.
Rojo’s experience is the main change for Estudiantes’ defence. Whether he starts has not been announced.
What It Means for US Readers
The Libertadores is South America’s equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. Fans in the US who follow Argentine and Brazilian football can expect a defender with Premier League and World Cup experience in a knockout match with a final place on the line.
What Is Not Known
It is not clear whether Rojo will start or come off the bench. Estudiantes has not said whether the CAS will issue a final ruling, and a US broadcaster for the match has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Marcos Rojo play against Flamengo?
Yes. The Court of Arbitration for Sport granted an interim measure, announced by Estudiantes on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, putting him on Estudiantes’ squad list for the Libertadores. Reports do not say the full case has been decided.
When is Flamengo against Estudiantes?
The second leg is on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires), at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
What was the score in the first leg?
Estudiantes and Flamengo drew 0-0 on 15 October 2026 in La Plata, Argentina, so the tie is level before the second leg.
Why did CONMEBOL reject Rojo at first?
Argentine media reported that CONMEBOL found his registration did not comply with FIFA regulations. He was cleared for domestic matches but not for the Libertadores.
Sources: La Gaceta, MDZ, 0221, 442 Perfil, CONMEBOL, ESPN match data.