As Colombia, which is witnessing a wave of civil unrest since late April, Argentina has offered to host the entire 2021 Copa America.
Notably for the first time in its 105-year history, the showpiece event is scheduled to be held in two countries — Argentina and Clombia however, nationwide protests in the latter nation have resulted in 15 deaths in the recent times, raising concerns for the hosting of the tournament.
The 2021 Copa AMERICA is scheduled to begin in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires on June 13.
As amsny as 15 games are slated to be held in Colombia — including the final in Barranquilla on July 10 — and 13 games for Argentina.
In such a situation, Argentine president Alberto Fernandez has told the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) that his country could host the whole event if the situation in Colombia does not improve.
“If there is a problem, we are ready for the possibility of hosting (the Copa) alone but the protocols would have to be very strict,” Fernandez was quoted as saying by Radio 10.
“If CONMEBOL said, ‘you can take charge’ then I am ready to study it,” he added.