June 8 – Brazil won’t boycott the Copa America on home soil despite the team’s players expected release of a statement today (Tuesday) expressing their criticism at the way organisers and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have pressed ahead with the tournament in the pandemic-stricken country.
Brazil play Paraguay in World Cup qualifying tonight and are reportedly saving their statement on the Copa America for after that match in Asuncion. The players however are expected to protest in a symbolic way.
Their presence in the Copa America had been in doubt after Conmebol stripped both Argentina and Colombia of the hosting rights, shifting the competition at the eleventh hour to Brazil, with the aide of both the Brazilian FA (CBF) and Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.
Brazil’s player and backroom staff were blindsided by the decision and alienated in the decision-making process, leading to friction between the team and CBF supremo Rogerio Caboclo, who meanwhile has been suspended for 30 days by his own ethics committee over allegations of sexual harassment.
Before his suspension, Caboclo however pressed on with his own agenda and following a visit to the dressing room he suggested no one should make public declarations about Brazil staging the Copa America. Those orders were complied with, but cryptically Brazil captain Casemiro said that “everyone knows our position”.
Brazil’s players have reportedly asked for Caboclo’s resignation as they considered him to be the driving force for bringing the Copa America to Brazil without consulting the players and without offering minimum health guarantees.
Discussions took place in the Brazil camp and captains of other teams were contacted to discuss a potential boycott, but no consensus could be reached. Argentina have already confirmed their participation.
Tuesday’s statement should bring to an end one of the most turbulent episodes for the Brazilian national team in years. On Monday at a news conference, Brazil coach Tite said: “The time of protests is our time, what we understand to be correct. We are very proud of our conduct, the respect we have for this moment. I do want to be doing the best job possible, in my mind and with my body. We want to play and have a great game against Paraguay.”
On Sunday, the Brazilians will kick off their Copa America campaign against Venezuela.
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