Impossible not to talk about them: Méndez and Rueda, the referees for the second leg semi-finals

The Bolivian Referees Commission, led by José Jordán, appointed the man from Santa Cruz Ivo Méndez and Bladimir Rueda from Tarijaas the referees of the second leg semifinals between The Strongest – ‘U’ de Vinto (16:00), and Independiente – San Antonio (18:00), decisive matches in which the two finalists of the Apertura 2024 tournament will be defined.

Ivo Méndez, who will direct at the Hernando Siles, will be collaborated by José Antelo (Santa Cruz) and Edwar Saavedra (Chuquisaca). The fourth referee will be Marcelo Castro (La Paz) whose challenge is as great as that of Jordy Alemán (Tarija) and Ruben Flores (La Paz), who will be the VAR and AVAR judges respectively. There is a lot of focus on the work that everyone does.

Since the last group stage matches, the referees’ performance has been in the eye of the storm. What of Gery Vargas, in the Blooming – Nacional Potosí, and the Dilio Rodríguez, in San Antonio – Bolívar, it raised dust to such an extent that the latter was sanctioned with a return yet to be defined. The first was criticized, but not punished.

For the other semifinal between Independiente and San Antonio, Bladimir Rueda He will have Luis León (Tarija) and Alfredo Valdes (Tarija) as collaborators, while Marcos Ramírez (Chuquisaca) will be the fourth referee. J will be in the VARorge Justiniano (Tarija) and William Medina (Tarija) as AVAR. The work of the latter two is as important as Rueda’s.

The designation of all of them is given a peak momentjust when the leadership of Blooming, Oriente and Royal Pari threatened not to appear at the Clausura if the Referees Commission It does not come from the FBF Executive, and also, after receiving performance certificates from 49 new referees placed at the disposal of the Commission.

But, also, at a time when Fernando Costa, president of the FBF, announced that since the Clausura will be drawn live and direct to the referees that they will direct in each of the matches, including the Simón Bolívar Cup that began this weekend. Refereeing continues to be in the focus of the fans in what is considered the most critical moment for them.

Regarding results, The Strongest won the first leg against the ‘U’ de Vinto, in Cochabamba (0-1), while Saint Anthony They beat Independiente at home (6-1). The teams that win on Sunday will qualify directly for the Apertura finals that should end on 4/05.