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The Bolivian and Chilean football teams disclosed more positive COVID-19 test results among players or staff on Thursday which means four out of 10 teams have been hit only days into the Copa America. Along with these two teams, Venezuela and Colombia had already infected positive cases in the South American tournament being held in Brazil which is one of the world’s most-affected nations.
Chile said a delegation member who tested positive was asymptomatic and isolating, but the team did not specify whether it was a player or official. Bolivia said that their two players Ribera and Jaume Cuellar had tested positive. Also, talismanic striker Marcelo Martins had tested positive. Martins had launched a campaign opposing CONMEBOL to organize the tournament for financial reasons with the care of players.
Later, he apologized after they started disciplinary proceedings. CONMEBOL had promised Copa America 2021 that the tournament would be a safe sporting event in the world when it announced Brazil as a host. Brazil has till now reported 4,93,693 cases. Venezuela is the most affected team, forced to call up another 15 players after eight tested positives on the eve of the competition. Colombia was removed due to civil unrest and Argentina was pulled out because of a COVID-19 surge there.