The government is reviewing a proposal from Flamengo to play their Libertadores match against Defensa y Justicia at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, according to Gustavo Rocha, the chairman of the Federal District’s Civil House. The match is scheduled for July 21st, with the first leg taking place in Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
“We are expecting the analysis (…) It is possible to have an audience,” Gustavo Rocha remarked during a press conference.
The GDF Chief of Staff, on the other hand, warns that “having a public, it will be limited.” The DF government eased social distancing requirements a week ago to avoid contamination by Covid-19, allowing corporate events and ballrooms to run until midnight. That means even if fans will be allowed, it would only be in a very minimal capacity, with the coronavirus pandemic still more or less a threat in Brazil. It is still an issue under consideration.
On the other hand, recreational gatherings, parties, and public concerts are still prohibited. The exception is those that are in a drive-in format. The curfew, which is in effect from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m, must also be followed.
According to a guideline, fans are also forbidden from attending sporting events in the city. The rule specifies that all players must leave immediately after the game to ensure compliance with the curfew.
Delegations arriving in the capital for the Copa América were subjected to the current health restrictions. The methodology included Covid-19 testing of all individuals, as well as follow-up by the Undersecretary of Health Surveillance will also be followed in this case for the Libertadores.
With football continue to go in full swing, many continue to question whether the country should be allowing sporting events take place at all, given their current crisis with the pandemic.
