Latest news with #CONMEBOL
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Brazil Stars Slam Copa America Over Poor Warm-Up Areas
BRAZILIAN players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa America in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm-up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch Images circulated on social media, before Brazil's dominant victory over Bolivia in their second Group B match on Tuesday, showed players from both teams warming up side-by-side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. According to the tournament regulations, the measure was implemented to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosts two matches in a day during the group stage. Marta, who returned from international retirement to participate in the continental tournament, voiced her frustration over the situation. 'It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances,' the 39-year-old striker told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. 'Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation. 'There wasn't enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. 'This is a problem for us because it's very hot inside, on top of the altitude. We hope that CONMEBOL changes some things and improves the situation.' Coach Arthur Elias echoed Marta's concerns, emphasizing that the conditions pose risks to players. 'We shouldn't have to demand that those responsible for football do their job, just as the players do on the pitch and I do as a coach,' he said. 'The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot ... This is crucial for the players' health and for the match, because when both teams don't warm up on the pitch, they take longer to get going.' Midfielder Ary Borges directed criticism at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, highlighting the disparity between men's and women's tournaments. 'Even amateur matches are better organised than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint,' she said. 'I think we had an example of this with the Men's Copa America, with its huge infrastructure. Why is the women's tournament having to deal with this kind of thing? 'This is something he needs to address, as president. I think we deserve better.' CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters- REUTERS
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Spain vs Argentina in Finalissima 2026 preview: All you need to know
Football's about to get wild, folks! Picture this: Spain, the Euro 2024 champs, squaring off against Argentina, the Copa América 2024 kings, in the Finalissima 2026. This isn't just a game—it's a clash of continents, a battle of styles, and a showdown that's got everyone buzzing. Whether you're rooting for Lionel Messi's magic or Lamine Yamal's fearless flair, here's the lowdown on what promises to be an unforgettable match. What's the Finalissima All About? The Finalissima, or the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions if you're feeling fancy, is like a World Cup final's cooler cousin. It pits Europe's top team against South America's best in a one-off match to decide who rules the roost. Back in the day, it was called the Artemio Franchi Cup—France beat Uruguay in '85, and Argentina took down Denmark in '93. The competition got a reboot in 2022 when Argentina steamrolled Italy 3-0 at Wembley. Now, in 2026, Spain's stepping up to challenge Argentina's reign. It's a rare treat, and the stakes couldn't be higher. When and Where Will It Happen? Mark your calendars for late March 2026—think March 26 to 31, during the international break. The exact date and venue are still under discussion, with logistical challenges complicating the decision. Potential host cities include: Mexico City : A hot contender since it ties into the 2026 World Cup vibe (Mexico's a co-host). But security checks are still pending. London or Rome : Europe's pushing for a home game to make travel easier for players juggling club schedules. New York : A neutral spot that's gaining buzz, especially with the U.S. hosting part of the World Cup. Argentina: CONMEBOL's dreaming of El Monumental stadium, but getting Europe-based players to South America mid-season? Good luck. UEFA, CONMEBOL, and the Spanish and Argentine football federations are hashing it out. Expect ticket and TV details once they nail down the spot. Wherever it happens, the atmosphere's gonna be electric. Meet the Teams Argentina: The Heavyweights Argentina's on a roll. They've got the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and that 2022 Finalissima win over Italy in their trophy cabinet. Lionel Scaloni's squad is a machine—Lionel Messi's still weaving magic, Ángel Di María's got that veteran swagger, and Emiliano Martínez is a wall in goal. Add in young guns like Julián Álvarez, and you've got a team that's tough to crack. But with Messi hitting 38 by 2026, this might be his last shot at this stage. No pressure, Leo. Spain: The New Blood Spain's back, baby! After years of ups and downs, Luis de la Fuente's crew lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with a 2-1 win over England. Their secret sauce? A blend of grit and youth. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid, stole hearts with his Euro 2024 heroics, becoming the youngest player to score and assist in the tournament. With players like Pedri and Álvaro Morata rounding out the squad, Spain's 18-match unbeaten streak makes them a real threat. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Brazil legend Marta hits out at Copa America conditions
Brazil women's national team players, including Marta, have hit out at the conditions at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. Players for both Brazil and Bolivia were forced to warm up in a small indoor area prior to Wednesday's game at the Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda in Quito, rather than on the field. According to tournament regulations, the measures are being taken to protect the fields prior to doubleheaders. But after photos of the cramped warm-ups went viral online, Marta said that CONMEBOL needed to do better. "It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances," the 39-year-old striker told Globo Esporte. "Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organization. "There wasn't enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. "This is a problem for us because it's very hot inside, on top of the altitude. We hope that CONMEBOL changes some things and improves the situation." Brazil midfielder Ary Borges took direct aim at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez in her remarks. "Even amateur matches are better organized than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 meters and smelling of paint," she said. In addition to the warm-up conditions, CONMEBOL has been criticized for a lack of VAR at the tournament. Brazil coach Arthur Elias echoed his players' concerns over the warm-up conditions. "We shouldn't have to demand that those responsible for football do their job, just as the players do on the pitch and I do as a coach," he said. "The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot ... This is crucial for the players' health and for the match, because when both teams don't warm up on the pitch, they take longer to get going."
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Copa America Femenina — Complaints from Brazil force change in warm-up rules
CONMEBOL announced on Friday that it has adjusted pre-match procedures at the Women's Copa America in Ecuador to allow players to warm up on the pitch, following criticism from Brazilian players and coaching staff. 'From now on, in addition to goalkeepers who already had a 15-minute warm-up period on the field, outfield players will also be allowed to warm up on the pitch for the same duration,' the South American football governing body told Reuters. 'This decision was made after a detailed assessment of the condition of the playing surfaces at the competition's stadiums to date, and after taking into account feedback from some participating teams.' Tournament organisers had barred outfield players from warming up on the pitch to preserve the playing surface, with each stadium hosting two matches in a day during the group stage. ALSO READ: Marta hopes to win another Copa America Femenina after coming out of retirement Brazil captain Marta, midfielder Ary Borges, and head coach Arthur Elias voiced their frustration after their dominant group-stage win over Bolivia, as both teams had been forced to warm-up in a shared room of about 15 square meters that smelled of paint. They also criticised the restrictions after their tournament-opener against Venezuela, saying they were unable to properly assess Kerolin's fitness, which ultimately led to the Manchester City striker being sidelined. Defending champion Brazil tops Group B with two wins and will face Paraguay on Tuesday.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
CONMEBOL eases Copa America warm-up rules after Brazil's complaints
LUQUE, (Paraguay): CONMEBOL announced on Friday that it has adjusted pre-match procedures at the Women's Copa America in Ecuador to allow players to warm up on the pitch, following criticism from Brazilian players and coaching staff. "From now on, in addition to goalkeepers who already had a 15-minute warm-up period on the field, outfield players will also be allowed to warm up on the pitch for the same duration," the South American soccer governing body told Reuters. "This decision was made after a detailed assessment of the condition of the playing surfaces at the competition's stadiums to date, and after taking into account feedback from some participating teams." Tournament organisers had barred outfield players from warming up on the pitch to preserve the playing surface, with each stadium hosting two matches in a day during the group stage. Brazil captain Marta, midfielder Ary Borges, and head coach Arthur Elias voiced their frustration after their dominant group-stage win over Bolivia, as both teams had been forced to warm-up in a shared room of about 15 square meters that smelled of paint. They also criticised the restrictions after their tournament opener against Venezuela, saying they were unable to properly assess Kerolin's fitness, which ultimately led to the Manchester City striker being sidelined.
