JAKARTA - A member of the Brazilian Senate Commission in charge of investigating the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country believes the Copa America should be postponed.
Moreover, more than 472.000 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, making them the country with the second-highest death toll in the world after the United States.
However, that did not stop President Jair Bolsonaro from accepting the appointment from CONMEBOL to host the 2021 Copa America after Colombia pulled out due to a wave of civil protests and Argentina withdrew due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In a letter addressed to the Brazilian national team, the member of the senate commission stated that only 10.77 percent of the country's population had received the first dose of vaccination until Friday, June 4.
"Brazil does not provide sanitary security to hold an international tournament of this magnitude. Apart from spreading a false sense of security and normalcy, in contrast to the reality felt by Brazilians, this will also lead to agglomeration of society and set a false example", the letter said, cited from Reuters by Antara, Monday local time.
"We do not reject the Copa America in Brazil or any other location. But we believe that this tournament can wait until the country concerned is ready to host it".
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The letter also stated that canceling the tournament or taking part in it would be a positive gesture for the Brazilian national team to honor the millions of people who are still grieving the loss of their family members.
The letter comes two days after Brazil captain Casemiro said their squad would issue a statement on Tuesday on whether or not to take part in the 2021 Copa America.
Brazilian media reported that the players did not want to play in the hastily prepared tournament in the week ahead, while they were still busy trying to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Brazil has now wiped out five qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup CONMEBOL zone and is the leader of the standings.
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