Copa gets court nod amid virus

Sao Paulo, 11: Brazil’s Supreme Court gave its go-ahead for the Copa America football tournament to kick off here despite the country’s alarming Covid-19 figures.

The unanimous vote by the 11 justices provides relief for President Jair Bolsonaro and tournament organisers in Brazil, which is hosting the event after the withdrawal of Colombia and Argentina.

The court rejected two suits against holding the tourney in Brazil, considering that authorisation of the games is a decision made by officials in the state where they will be played; all four governors in Copa America locations are Bolsonaro allies.

The court’s ruling is a response to challenges made by the Brazilian Socialist Party and a metalworkers union lodged against Brazil hosting the tournament. “Intense circulation of visitors in national territory will obviously spread Covid-19 in several states, as well as potentially allow entry of new variants,” the party said in its request.

The union said no international sports events should take place as long as social distancing policies are in place. Brazil is still suffering one of the world’s highest daily Covid-19 infection rates, although the number of deaths has declined in about two months.

Brazil will face Venezuela in Copa America’s opener on Sunday at the Man Garrincha stadium in Brasilia. The final will take place on July 10 at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. —