Twelve members of the Venezuela football team’s camp, which includes players, coaching staff, and the backroom staff, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. The tests were carried out on Friday, following their arrival in Brazil for the 2021 Copa America.
This unfortunate news comes at a time when many Brazilians are expressing their scepticism regarding the staging of the tournament in Brazil. With the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, many have called for the postponement of Copa America.
In a statement issued to AFP, CONMEBOL stated
“The health department was notified by CONMEBOL (the South American football confederation) that 12 members of the Venezuelan national team’s delegation, including players and coaching staff, tested positive for Covid-19.”
The statement further went on to clarify “All are asymptomatic and isolated in individual hotel rooms. They are being monitored by CONMEBOL’s team and health department officials.”
What is going on with Copa America?
There have already been many controversies regarding the 2021 edition of Copa America. It was initially set to be staged in Colombia and Argentina. Colombia were removed as hosts following the nationwide protests against their current government. A few days after that, Argentina was also relieved of hosting duties, with COVID-19 cases in country rising at an alarming rate.
The decision to stage the competition in Brazil came as an even bigger surprise, as the nation is dealing with over 1 million active cases, with more than 70,000 people testing positive for the virus almost every day.
A senate commission was set up in Brazil to investigate the Brazilian government’s plans and policies regarding COVID-19.
“Brazil does not offer sanitary security for holding an international tournament of this magnitude. We are not against Copa America in Brazil or anywhere else. But we believe the tournament can wait until the country is ready to host it,”
the commission stated in an open letter to the organizers, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Venezuela are scheduled to start their campaign today, with a Group B game against Brazil at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia Mane Garrincha. CONMEBOL has not yet clarified the fate of that match.
