Soccer-Brazil players slam CONMEBOL over Women's Copa America warm-up conditions
(Reuters) -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.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-FIFA's Infantino offers support after England's Carter suffers racist abuse
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Women's International Friendly - England Press Conference - St. George's Park, Burton upon Trent, Britain - June 28, 2025 England's Jess Carter during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo ZURICH (Reuters) -FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered the governing body's support to England defender Jess Carter after she revealed she has been the target of racist abuse during Euro 2025. Carter, who is Black, on Sunday announced she is stepping away from social media for the duration of the tournament. The 27-year-old has started all four of England's games at the tournament, but struggled in their quarter-final win over Sweden on Thursday as the Lionesses conceded two first-half goals. Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham condemned the abuse, and said the FA has been in contact with UK police, who are in touch with the relevant social media platform, to "ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice." "We stand with Jess. We stand with every player and every individual who has suffered from racist abuse. No player should be discriminated against in any way, they should be free to be at their very best on the pitch," Infantino said in a statement. "In this instance, we will be offering our support with any further action required, as well as sharing data for appropriate action to be taken against any perpetrators." European soccer's governing body UEFA, Carter's club Gotham FC, the National Women's Soccer League, and the Lionesses all also posted statements in support of the player. Carter's teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy said in an Instagram post that she planned to come off social media as well. (Reporting by Lori Ewing; additional reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Cricket-Owen shines on debut as Australia beat Windies in first T20
(Reuters) -Mitchell Owen made an impressive debut as Australia beat West Indies by three wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Twenty20 International series in Jamaica on Sunday. Owen took a wicket with his medium pace bowling before returning to smash 50 off 27 balls as Australia chased down a 190-run target with seven balls to spare. West Indies, who lost the preceding test series 3-0, got off to a strong start after being put into bat at Sabina Park. Captain Shai Hope (55), Roston Chase (60) and Shimron Hetmyer (38) laid the platform for a 200-plus score but the late flourish they expected never materialised. Andre Russell, who will quit international cricket after the second T20 on Tuesday, made only eight. Australia's Ben Dwarshuis (4-36) mowed down the middle and lower order as West Indies were forced to settle for a modest 189-8. While Australia lost both their openers, captain Mitchell Marsh and Jake Fraser-McGurk, inside the powerplay they were propped up by a breezy 80-run stand by Cameron Green (51) and Owen. Green belted five sixes in his 26-ball blitz, while Owen smacked six of them before holing out in the 17th over with Australia on the cusp of victory. (Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Peter Rutherford)
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-New signings will help bring Arsenal trophies, says Gabriel
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Arsenal v PSV Eindhoven - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 12, 2025 Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko REUTERS/David Klein/File Photo (Reuters) -Arsenal let Premier League titles slip through their grasp in the last couple of years but the arrival of top-quality signings will make a difference this season, said defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Runners-up for the last three seasons, Arsenal have signed winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as well as midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, is also expected to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium. "I think the players that came will help us out a lot. The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager," Gabriel told the BBC in an interview published on Sunday. "They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch. The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players. "We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players ... We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently. We almost won but I think this year, things will be different." Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a trip to Manchester United. (Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
