Brazilian players, including the six-time FIFA player of the year Marta, have criticized Conmebol and the organizers of the Women’s Copa America in Ecuador because they had to warm up teams in limited inner areas instead of on the field.
Images circulated on social media, before the dominant victory of Brazil over Bolivia on Tuesday in their second group B competition, players of both teams showed side by side in a limited area in the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium.
According to the tournament rules, the measure was implemented to prevent damage to the field, which organizes two games in a day during the group stage.
Marta, who returned from international pension to participate in the continental tournament, expressed her frustration about the situation.
«It has been a long time since I played here in a tournament here in South America, and we were sad,» 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 organization.
“There was not enough room for both teams, but both wanted to prepare themselves. I don’t understand why we can’t heat up on the field.
«This is a problem for us because it is very hot on the inside, on top of the height. We hope that Conmebol will change some things and improve the situation.»
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Coach Arthur Elias repeated Marta’s concerns and emphasized that the conditions are risks for players.
«We should not demand that those who are responsible for football do their work, just like the players do on the field and I do as a coach,» he said.
«The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot … This is crucial for the health of the players and for the competition, because when both teams do not heat up on the field, they will take longer to get started.»
Midfielder Ary Borges directed criticism at Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez, who emphasizes inequality between men’s and women’s tournaments.
«Even amateur competitions are better organized than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm up in a room of five or 10 meters and smell paint,» she said.
“I think we had an example of this with the Copa America of the gentlemen, with its enormous infrastructure. Why is the ladies’ tournament to do with things like this?
«This is something he has to tackle, as president. I think we deserve better.»
Conmebol did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
