Colombia 'stripped of right' to co-host Copa America 2021

In light of the civil unrest in the country, it has reportedly been decided the next month’s tournament is not safe to be played in Colombia.

Colombia has been “stripped of its right” to co-host the Copa America 2021, reports Marca.

The Colombians took to the streets to protest against President Ivan Duque’s proposal to reform tax and healthcare at the end of April. Fast forward one month, after almost 50 lives have been lost, and the disturbance is showing no signs of calming down. Furthermore, the nation has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s Copa America was to be held in two countries for the first time in the competition’s 105-year history but, as per the report, Conmebol – the governing body of football in South America – has now decided it will be exclusively played in Argentina.

Marca claims an official announcement is due on Thursday.

Argentine president Alberto Fernandez has already earlier asserted his nation will be ready to host the Copa America in its entirety if the unrest in Colombia doesn’t subside.

Fernandez told Radio 10: “If there is a problem, we are ready for the possibility of hosting (the Copa) alone but the protocols would have to be very strict.

“If CONMEBOL said, ‘you can take charge’ then I am ready to study it.”