The supreme court of Brazil has ruled that the tournament can go ahead.
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that Copa America 2021 can go ahead despite the pandemic outbreak.
Justice Carmen Lucia wrote in her ruling: “It falls to (state governors and mayors) to set the appropriate health protocols and ensure they are respected in order to avoid a ‘Copavirus,’ with new infections and the emergence of new variants.”
There had been plenty of criticisms after the South American Football federation changed Brazil as the host nation last week.
Colombia and Argentina were slated to host the tournament before the unrest of the public from the former, and the rise in Covid-19 cases in the latter saw the host nation getting changed to Brazil.
Brazil has since opposed the decision to host the tournament due to the pandemic fears, with the country is still coping with pandemic situation with considerable daily new cases and death figures registered every day.
As a means of taking the stand, Brazilian players skipped the training session, and it was reported that they would withdraw from the competition if it gets hosted on their home soil.
Brazil were also said to be in talks with some participating countries to join them to boycott the tournament. Still, much to their dismay, Argentina released a statement showing their commitment to Copa America.
The Copa America 2021 will kickstart on 14th June as Brazil is set to play their first game against Venezuela.
Brazil have been drawn in Group A and considered as the favourites to retain the Copa America title.
