Brazilian Players Criticize Conditions at Women’s Copa América
The players of the Brazilian women’s national soccer team, including the renowned Marta, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the conditions imposed by CONMEBOL and the organizers of the Women’s Copa América in Ecuador.
The main complaint centers on the obligation to perform warm-ups in confined indoor areas, instead of doing so on the playing field. This situation has generated discomfort among the soccer players, who believe it affects their preparation and performance.
Images that circulated on social media, prior to the match between Brazil and Bolivia, showed both teams doing their warm-up exercises in a reduced space inside the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda stadium.
According to the tournament regulations, this measure was implemented to preserve the turf, which hosts two matches per day during the group stage.
“We are saddened by these circumstances,” declared Marta, who returned to the international tournament after her retirement.
The experienced forward, 39 years old, expressed her frustration with this situation, highlighting the need for better organization to ensure a suitable environment for the athletes.
Marta emphasized the importance of having adequate spaces for physical preparation, considering the high temperatures and the altitude of the place.
Coach Arthur Elias also expressed his concern, pointing out the risks that these conditions pose to the players’ health.
Midfielder Ary Borges directly criticized CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, highlighting the difference in organization between men’s and women’s tournaments.
Borges questioned the infrastructure of the women’s tournament compared to the men’s Copa América, and demanded an improvement in the conditions for the players.CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to the request for comment.
