Organization Claims That Venue Change Forced By Antofagasta Mayor Could Cost $300M

The battle between the Chilean Rugby Federation (FERUCHI) and the Antofagasta, Chile government "apparently has no solution," according to EMOL. After FERUCHI was denied the use of the Calvo Bascuñán Stadium for the Sub 20 Rugby World Cup, which will take place from May 28-June 9, the organization moved the location to Temuco, Chile. This has motivated FERUCHI "to consider suing the Antofagasta government, led by Mayor Karen Rojo, because of the serious economic damages caused by the denial of holding the championship in Antofagasta, which is estimated to reach $300M in hotels, travel and stays for the players." FERUCHI President Francisco Davanzo: "We feel very defrauded by Antofagasta and its mayor. We believe the way the problem was resolved was inadequate and the minimum effort should have been to solve the problems that she had with the technical and legal aspects" (EMOL, 5/16).