The Argentina Football Federation has approved a provisional return of visiting team supporters for two Argentine league matches this weekend, the first time the ban has been lifted since it was imposed in 2013 due to the escalation of violence at matches in the country.
Olimpo de Bahia Blanca fans will be permitted to attend the match against Arsenal de Sarandi in Buenos Aires on Sunday while in the Metropolitan B league, Tristan Suarez will welcome fans of Sportivo Italiano.
The federation initially contemplated allowing away team fans at a third match, Sarmiento vs. Defensa, but opted against it, saying that the stadium was not yet equipped to accommodate visiting fans.
After an executive committee meeting, federation president Luis Segura told reporters that the decision to allow fans for these two matches could pave the way for the return of visiting team supporters next year.
The federation imposed the ban in 2013 after a supporter of visiting club Lanus was killed in a clash with fans and police in La Plata, near Buenos Aires, during a match against Estudiantes.
Scores of football supporters have been killed in Argentina since the year 2000, with the authorities seemingly unable to stem the growing tide of violence.
