Mar 16 • 17:43 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Bolívar, by Xavier Arreaga and Christian Alemán, will train in Ecuador for the Copa Libertadores: 'There is no other choice due to the ineptitude of the FBF'

Bolívar will conduct a short pre-season training in Quito as they prepare for the Copa Libertadores 2026, due to the stagnation of Bolivian football.

The president of Bolívar, Marcelo Claure, announced that the team will hold a brief pre-season in Quito in preparation for the upcoming Copa Libertadores 2026. This training camp is crucial as they have signed Ecuadorians Christian Alemán and Xavier Arreaga as reinforcements for the competition. The team plans to play friendly matches during their stay, with one potential match against the historic club Deportivo Quito, who currently competes in the second division.

This decision to train in Ecuador comes as Bolivian football is currently on hold because of the national team's participation in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where Bolivia is set to play a semifinal match against Suriname. Claure expressed frustration over the situation, noting that their choice to leave Bolivia was a necessary one, citing the ineptitude of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) for the current state of the league. The team will be in Ecuador from March 24 to March 30.

The training camp in Ecuador is a significant step for Bolívar as they aim to enter the Copa Libertadores with a competitive edge despite the challenges posed by the local football scene. The focus on friendly matches suggests a strategy to regain rhythm and cohesion within the team, which is essential for their performance in the prestigious tournament. Bolívar's actions might also spark discussions regarding the state of football administration in Bolivia and its impact on the clubs' preparations for international competitions.

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