Players of Chapecoense celebrate after the match against San Lorenzo at Arena Conda stadium, Chapeco, Brazil, Nov 23, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Atletico Nacional wrote to CONMEBOL last week requesting that their rivals be awarded the region's second most important continental club title.

On Wednesday, at the same time the first leg of the two-match final had been scheduled, Atletico Nacional staged a moving tribute to Chapecoense with a candlelight vigil at their Anastasio Girardot stadium.

Fans dressed in white packed the 45,000-seat stadium with thousands more congregating in the surrounding streets after being unable to enter the venue.

The fair play accolade included a cheque for one million US dollars, CONMEBOL said.

"For CONMEBOL there is no greater example of the spirit of peace, understanding and fair play ... than the solidarity, consideration and respect shown by Atletico Nacional towards their brothers of Chapecoense," the statement said.