« Brazil hosts Copa America Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed Tuesday at an event at the Ministry of Health in Brasilia. His chief of staff Luis Eduardo Ramos, who cast doubt on Monday and said no decision had been made, wrote on Twitter: “ Confirmed: The Copa America will be held in Brazil ». Then he said that the matches will be held in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Goiás and the Federal District of the capital Brasilia.

There are no harsh public health protocols

« On behalf of South American football, I would like to thank President Jair Bolsonaro for making an effective decision “, said CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez on Twitter. He confirmed in his message that the tournament will be held without the presence of the public and according to ” Health protocols Cruelty.

In contrast, at least five referees immediately refused to host the matches for health reasons. Joao Doria of Sao Paulo, a fierce opponent of President Bolsonaro, said on Monday that he would not oppose it until he backs down on Tuesday.

« It’s really crazy to be organizing such an event here For his part, epidemiologist Jose David Orbaez, of the Brasilia Center for Infectious Diseases, told AFP. The worst phase of the epidemic in Brazil in 2020 was three to four times smaller than what we are seeing today. We have this false impression that things have improved. The truth is that we are still in a terrible phase of very rapid spread. »