The America’s Cup, to be held in Argentina and Colombia, was only moved to Brazil at the last minute with the approval of the President of the Republic. Jair Bolsonaro… But now Conmebol and CBF fear that political polarization will affect competition. Therefore, there is an opinion that it is necessary to reduce the political temperature around the tournament.

After confirming the America’s Cup in Brazil, Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez thanked Bolsonara. When announcing the venue for the tournament, he also reiterated his gratitude. His presence at the opening of the tournament is almost certain.

At the same time, America’s Cup began to be criticized by infectious diseases, press agencies and CPI to Covid for completing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Even a challenge from CBF President Rogerio Caboclo was considered. In Brazil, about 2,000 people die from the virus every day.

In conclusion, the players and coach Tite of the Brazilian team expressed their dissatisfaction with the competition, although they did not explain why. This caused a negative reaction from Bolsonaro’s supporters. As a result, the athletes decided to compete.

According to the CBF and Conmebol sectors, this polarization hurts competition. Sponsors are afraid to activate their ads for fear of a bad reaction. In addition, the broadcast of a tournament on SBT may fail. Folla de S. Paulo said that the Federal Attorney’s Office is investigating the competition partner companies.

Another concern is related to possible protests, which also damage the image of competitors. This will not only affect ticket sales, because Copa America will be held without spectators.

Hence, the idea is to keep Copa America on the political side. Obviously, Bolsonaro will be well received if he decides to go to the opening of the competition in Brasilia. But this is in line with the protocol of the competition for the reception of the head of state. The goal is to prevent America’s Cup from becoming known as the president’s tournament because it irritates his opponents. At the same time, attempts were made to refute the arguments against competition.

After receiving a signal from the players that they will act, the CBF also expressed concern about the content of the manifesto they will make after the game with Paraguay. The tone of the national team coach Tite at the pre-game press conference was very cautious, avoiding questions about criticism from pocketnaristas. According to colleague Marcel Rizzo, Conmebol will not interfere with the performance of players in relation to the tournament, if they do not violate the rules of FIFA.

The ouster of CBF President Rogerio Caboclo, implicated in a sexual harassment scandal, also helps ease the pressure on the America’s Cup. He was the organizer of the competition, bridging the gap between the federal government and Conmebol.

At the last America’s Cup in Brazil in 2019, Conmebol even prevented Bolsonar from handing over the trophy to the national team. But the players called him out onto the field and he posed with the athletes after the title.