Who is Wilmar Roldán, referee for Copa Libertadores final 2023: Boca Juniors vs Fluminense

The 2023 Copa Libertadores finalists are putting their, ahem, final touches to their preparations ahead of Saturday’s huge encounter. Players, managers and coaches for Boca Juniors and Fluminense will aim to be in tip top condition as the whistle blows at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. And talking about the kick-off, the man who blows that whistle will also want to be at his very best, ideally providing an invisible guiding hand over a fluid and entertaining game.

You can watch the Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors vs Fluminense live stream on FuboTV (free trial available)

Meet Wilmar Roldán, referee for Boca vs Fluminense

After careful consideration, CONMEBOL has made the decision to entrust Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán with this key role, favouring him over the equally esteemed Chilean Piero Maza and Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich, who had also been under thoughtful deliberation.

For Roldán, this appointment signifies a triumphant return to the grand stage of a Copa Libertadores final after a notable hiatus of nine years. Roldán’s duties will be complemented by a team of other officials, all hailing from the nation of Colombia. This team includes Alexander Guzmán (assistant referee 1), Dionisio Ruiz (assistant referee 2), Andrés Rojas (fourth official), and Wilmar Navarro (fifth official). It would appear you can never have enough decision makers for this match.

Who is the VAR for Copa Libertadores final?

As you were likely expecting, we also have a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the final and the team primarily comes from Chile. Juan Lara takes the lead with Angelo Hermosilla and Edson Cisternas his compatriot VAR assistants, with Colombian Jhon Ospina also helping out. What do they say about cooks and broth?

Has Wilmar Roldán refereed Copa Libertadores final before?

Yes indeed! This game will be Roldán fourth Copa Libertadores final, and his second that features Boca. Just over a decade ago he was officiating when Corinthians ran out victorious over the Xeneize, who will be looking for better fortune this time around.

Let’s take a look at the three previous Copa Libertadores finals that had Wilmar Roldán with the whistle:

2014: Nacional 1-1 San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo won 2-1 on aggregate after first leg win)

2013: Atlético Mineiro 2-0 Olimpia (Atlético won on penalties after aggregate score 2-2)

2012: Corinthians 2-0 Boca Juniors (Corinthians won 3-1 on aggregate)

(Note that before the 2019 edition the finals were two-legged affairs)

Wilmar Roldán record with Boca Juniors and Fluminense

As well as the above finals, one including our under-focus team, Roldán has a strong track record in big matches, including the Copa last year’s Sudamericana final between Independiente del Valle and Sao Paulo, as well as the final of the 2015 Copa América between Chile and Argentina.

In terms of his history with this weekend’s two clubs in the Copa Libertadores, the 43 year-old has refereed Boca Juniors in 13 matches with a record of six wins, four draws, and three losses. He has also officiated Fluminense in six Copa Libertadores matches, with a split of three victories and three losses.