Discontent Among Brazilian Women’s National Team
Players from the Brazilian women’s national team, including the legendary Marta, have expressed their discontent with the conditions imposed by CONMEBOL and the organizers of the Women’s Copa América being held in Ecuador. They criticized the requirement to perform warm-ups in cramped indoor spaces rather than utilizing the main pitch, as evidenced by social media posts showing Brazilian and Bolivian teams preparing together in a small, confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium before their match on Tuesday. This limitation is reportedly in place to preserve the turf, which is utilized for multiple games throughout the day during the group stage.
Marta’s Disappointment
Marta, who has come out of international retirement to participate in this significant tournament, shared her disappointment with Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte.
“It’s disheartening to experience these conditions after such a long absence from South American tournaments,”
she stated.
“We expect to perform at our best and put in the effort on the field, but there also needs to be a high standard of organization in place.”
She noted that the cramped quarters made it difficult for both teams to adequately prepare, raising concern about conducting warm-ups in a hot indoor environment, particularly at high altitudes.
Concerns from Coaching Staff
Echoing Marta’s sentiments, Brazil’s coach, Arthur Elias, highlighted the potential health risks associated with inadequate warm-up conditions.
“Players deserve a proper space to prepare before the match, just as they give their all during the game. This should not be an extra demand made on those responsible for the sport,”
he argued. He pointed out that warming up within the confined space compromises players’ readiness and can prolong the time it takes for teams to find their rhythm in the match.
Frustration from Players
Midfielder Ary Borges also directed her frustration towards CONMEBOL’s president, Alejandro Dominguez. She drew a stark comparison between the organization of women’s events versus men’s and questioned the quality of the facilities provided.
“Even local amateur games tend to have better arrangements than what we’ve encountered here. I’d like to ask Alejandro if he would practice in a space that’s barely 5 or 10 meters and reeking of paint,”
Borges remarked. She criticized the discrepancy in infrastructure that men’s tournaments enjoy, pointing to the Men’s Copa América as an example.
“This is a matter he needs to address as president, as we truly deserve more than what we’re currently facing.”
Awaiting Response from CONMEBOL
As of now, CONMEBOL has not issued a public response to these criticisms raised by the players.
