The Copa America 2021 continues to be met with lots of setbacks, with a series of events now putting the competition at major doubt of going ahead.
All of these comes after we reported days ago about the Brazil squad uniting together to take a stance that clearly hinted that they would likely not partake in the upcoming continental competition. It was also reported that coach Tite was in agreement with the players, with the likes of Casemiro, Neymar and Alisson among the forerunners.
Complicated situation at the moment
However, the situation might have gotten more complicated. Over the weekend, it was reported that CBF president, Rogério Caboclo, was temporarily suspended from his role after he allegedly harassed an intern sexually over the phone. He has so far denied the allegations but is currently replaced by current vice president, Antônio Carlos Nunes de Lima.
A statement from the CBF read on Sunday:
“The CBF informs that it received this Sunday afternoon, 6, the decision of the Brazilian Football Ethics Commission temporarily suspending (for an initial period of 30 days) President Rogério Caboclo from exercising his functions. Following the entity’s Statute, he takes office on an interim basis. , by age criterion, the vice-president Antônio Carlos Nunes de Lima. The decision is confidential and the process will proceed before the referred Commission, with the purpose of investigating the presented complaint.”
Tite retains the support of CBF
It gets more complicated simply because the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, recently expressed in a meeting that he remains fully in support of the Copa America holding in Brazil. Some sources even say the president is leaning towards coach Tite being sacked and getting replaced by Renato Gaucho.
However, the directors and senior CBF members that will make the key decisions after Caboclo’s departure believe that it would be in Brazil’s best interest to keep Tite who has been excellent so far as their manager. They also intend to maintain a good relationship with CONMEBOL.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the Seleção intend to boycott the tournament or play it under protest. However, a few days will give a clearer picture on that.
Brazil will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the World Cup qualifying campaign when they take on Paraguay on Tuesday night.
