Doubts about the "Copa America" finals a month before the kick-off
A cloud of doubts is covering the sky of the 2021 Copa America less than a month before its launch in Argentina and Colombia, despite the two hosts confirming, until now, their commitment to their obligations. In Colombia, bloody protests have rocked the country two weeks ago, against the backdrop of an increase in the value-added tax and an expansion of the income tax base. The tax reform bill was withdrawn, but discontent continued and turned into a broader anti-government protest, in a country suffering from constant violence and economic hardship, exacerbated by the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Clashes with the security forces resulted in 42 deaths and 1,500 wounded. Few Colombians think of football, but the government is trying to take advantage of a continental tournament to be a symbol of unity.
Until now, it is difficult to imagine organizing the tournament, which was postponed from last year due to the Corona virus, in Medellin, Cali, Bogota and Barranquilla hosting the final on July 10.
In 2001, Colombia hosted the finals despite decades of bloody conflicts with leftist guerrillas. At that time, Argentina and Canada, the holder of the invitation card, withdrew, replacing them with Costa Rica and Honduras, while Brazil and Uruguay sent two reserve formations to hold the finals without problems and Colombia won its first title.
The Confederation (CONMEBOL), in a hypothetical meeting, did not directly address the Copa America issue, according to an internal source told AFP.
But other reports indicated that other countries were ready for solutions instead of Colombia.
The source confirmed that Colombia is still "determined" and had "no doubts about the hosting."
Nor was the Copa America mentioned in the announcement of the host cities for the final of the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana in November 2021 at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.
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