Mastercard, Ambev back away from Copa America as players vent COVID-19 concerns


FILE PHOTO: The AmBev (Companhia de Bebidas das Americas) logo is pictured in their unit in Fortaleza, Brazil January 10, 2019. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker/File Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Mastercard Inc and drinks company Ambev, major sponsors of South American soccer, backed away from the Copa America on Wednesday as players criticized organizers for moving the tournament to Brazil despite one of the world's worst COVID-19 outbreaks.

Last week, the South American Football Confederation unexpectedly relocated the tournament, which kicks off on Sunday, after co-hosts Colombia were dropped because of civil unrest and Argentina withdrew after a surge in coronavirus infections.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Others

Netflix set for biggest weekly gain since January after Paul-Tyson fight
Mixed martial arts star McGregor assaulted woman in 2018, jury finds
Unforgettable moment
Exponent Humaira gets ready for worlds despite knee trouble
Rallying-Neuville's title hopes take a knock after tough Friday in Japan
Baseball-Japanese fans rejoice in Ohtani's MVP win
Men paddlers upset hosts Thailand for historic gold in SEA championship
F1, ESPN open talks over next US media rights deal, FT reports
A chess extravaganza awaits as Singapore hosts World Chess Championship from Nov 25
Sailing-Rolex ramps up SailGP backing as crews hit Dubai for new season

Others Also Read