LatinNews Daily - 02 June 2021 |
BRAZIL: Plans to host Copa América go ahead despite criticism |
On 1 June, a judge on Brazil’s supreme court (STF), Ricardo Lewandowski, asked the federal government led by President Jair Bolsonaro to provide explanations for its plans to host the Copa América regional football tournament in the midst of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Analysis: Lewandowski’s order came a few hours before the Bolsonaro government confirmed that Brazil would indeed be hosting the football championship, despite severe misgivings that this could precipitate the onset of a third wave of Covid-19 infections in the pandemic-stricken country and represent a risk to visiting football teams. With criticisms as to the public health implications of welcoming the Copa América games and little economic incentives given the matches will be played to empty stadiums, it is unclear what the Bolsonaro government stands to gain from its decision.
Looking Ahead: The assurance that sanitary protocols will be put in place to minimise the public health risk of hosting an international championship may dispel some of the concerns regarding the Brazil-based Copa América; but should Lewandowski find these protocols and the government’s explanations to be lacking, he could rule that the Brazilian government cannot host the championship. |