Boca are reportedly set to make an official complaint
Santos goalkeeper John allegedly tested positive for Covid-19 before playing for the Brazilian club in their Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg with Boca Juniors.
John had no symptoms ahead of Wednesday’s goalless draw in Buenos Aires, but reports have claimed he was aware prior to kick-off that he was infected.
According to TNT Sports (via Marca), Boca believe that Santos, whose players mysteriously opted not to return to their changing room at half-time of the game, attempted to conceal the information of John’s positive test. The Argentine champions are set to file an official complaint to CONMEBOL as a result.
The second leg of the tie is scheduled to take place in Brazil next Wednesday, but these developments may place the game in serious doubt.
John remains in the Argentine capital awaiting a return flight to Brazil. Meanwhile, it has also emerged that his teammate, defender Wagner Leonardo, also returned a positive test ahead of the game. Unlike the goalkeeper, he played no part in the game – remaining on the bench for the duration.
If Boca do make it to the final, it is unlikely they will face their great rivals River Plate. Facing Palmeiras in the first leg of the other semi-final, they lost 3-0 at home, all but ending their hopes of setting up a repeat of the 2019 Boca-River final.
