Brazil People Against Shifting of Copa America 2021: The South American football fiesta, Copa America 2021 is to be played from June 14th, 2021 in Brazil. Earlier, Colombia and Argentina both pulled out from hosting the tournament. Later, Brazil agreed to be the emergency host of the oldest nation-based tournament. But since then, the growing cases of COVID-19 have put the tournament in doubt again.
Colombia pulled out from hosting the tournament due to the extreme protest posed against the Colombian government. The decision was taken on 23rd May 2021 to nix the country from hosting. However, Argentina pulled out just two weeks from the start of the tournament. As an emergency host, Brazil’s name come in front and was readily accepted by the Brazilian president.
Before that, Alejandro Domínguez, the president of CONMEBOL, announced the decision publicly and thanked the Brazilian president to agree to host Copa America 2021 on such short notice. He further conveyed his condolences to the victims of the pandemic. Moreover, he also described the need to host the delayed tournament and said great things about the Brazilian government.
People Against Shifting of Copa America 2021 to Brazil
Copa America 2021 is scheduled to take place in four cities, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Goiania, and Cuiaba. The tournament starts in Rio de Janeiro with Argentina facing off against mighty Chile on June 14th, 2021. The city of Rio is scheduled to host seven matches of the tournament including the semi-final and the final. The final will be played in the famous Maracana Stadium in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
However, the mayor of the city, Eduardo Paes has stated his concern with this decision. He said that the growing COVID cases in the city, and the country, are alarming. Therefore, hosting the tournament in this difficult time is a very bad decision. Moreover, he even said that if the situation intensifies, he might even give an order to cancel the matches to be held in the city.
Although the Brazilian domestic leagues, Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores are still being played indoors. The mayor said that there will be no further matches after June 14th, 2021.
Several international players are due to appear in the tournament. However, Luis Suarez of Uruguay and Brazil’s captain Casemiro publicly announced their discontent on Copa America 2021 live in this serious COVID situation. Brazilian players and staff have clearly stated their disagreement on Copa America 2021 being held at a time when daily COVID positive cases are reaching more than 90,000.
We might see Neymar, Messi, Aguero, and several superstars appearing in the tournament if everything works out. We must wait till further statements from CONMEBOL and the Brazilian government.
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