Stars boycott, Copa America 2021 is at risk of being canceled

Brazilian players boycott Copa America 2021 - Photo: Reuters

Brazilian media reported that right before the match with Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers, "Selecao" players delayed training to protest the 2021 Copa America being moved to their country.

The tournament was originally to be hosted by Argentina and Colombia, but both countries withdrew due to political unrest (Colombia) and the outbreak of the coronavirus (Argentina). The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) then handed over the hosting rights to Brazil, which hosted the 2019 Copa America.

Brazil did not refuse, but immediately a wave of protests broke out. Brazil is one of the places with the most severe outbreaks in the world, with about 16.7 million infections and more than 467,000 deaths. Most of Brazil's stars oppose hosting the tournament in the context of their homeland struggling to fight the disease, and are planning to boycott.

Scaloni - Head coach of the Argentina team also expressed concern when he said: "If we have to play, we will play, but there are many uncertain factors here. Honestly, I think this is an alarming and worrying situation. Brazil is not the best place." Chile coach Martin Lasarte called transferring the hosting rights to Brazil "a huge risk".

Meanwhile, the group of superstars leading the Uruguayan team such as Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Fernando Muslera said they would support their colleagues in the Brazilian team. Suarez is even discussing this issue with Messi.

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes has said he will not hesitate to cancel the games if the pandemic worsens. Rio de Janeiro is scheduled to host eight Copa America matches at the Maracana and Nilton Santos stadiums.

According to Tuoi Tre