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May 22, 2024

Brazil will restart championship games in June following the floods – Brazilian Serie A

On Tuesday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that it plans to restart the Brazilian Championship in early June after a temporary suspension due to the devastating and unprecedented flooding ravaging Rio Grande do Sul. The natural disaster, which forced the postponement of league matches, has wreaked havoc across the region, impacting daily life and local infrastructure. The decision to pause the Championship was made in light of the widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall, severely affecting stadiums, training facilities, and transportation systems, making it impossible for several teams to compete. With recovery efforts underway, the CBF is preparing for the safe and organized return of Brazil’s top football league, with plans to ensure that affected clubs can participate fully as conditions improve.

The severe weather, which started in late April, brought relentless and destructive rainfall to Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, making it impossible for local teams to compete. The region was left devastated as heavy rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in the tragic loss of over 160 lives. Authorities are still searching for nearly 100 people who remain missing, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. In addition to the lives lost, more than 500,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, leaving entire communities displaced and grappling with the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. The scale of the destruction has not only halted sporting activities but also placed immense strain on local infrastructure and relief efforts as the region works to recover from this unprecedented catastrophe.

The matches involving the three clubs from Rio Grande do Sul Gremio, International, and Juventude—had already been postponed until May 27 due to the extensive damage caused by the flooding. This widespread destruction affected vital infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and airports, leaving the region ill-equipped to host football matches. The disruption extended far beyond the teams, impacting the logistics and safety of hosting games in the area. 

As a result, the seventh and eighth rounds of the Brazilian Championship were delayed, creating a gap in the league’s schedule. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) decided to suspend these rounds only after thorough consultation with all 20 clubs in the Brasileirao. The discussions emphasized the importance of player and fan safety as the region grappled with the effects of the natural disaster. The CBF took a cautious approach, ensuring conditions were suitable before confirming plans to restart the league. This reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe and fair environment for everyone involved.

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The Brazilian Championship is now officially set to resume on June 1, with all teams from the flood-affected state of Rio Grande do Sul expected to participate. This includes Gremio, Internacional, and Juventude, who had previously seen their matches postponed due to the extensive damage caused by the historic flooding. The decision to bring these clubs back into the competition marks a crucial step towards normalcy, as efforts to restore the region’s infrastructure and ensure safe conditions have progressed.

The participation of the Rio Grande do Sul teams is particularly significant, given their challenges over the past weeks, from disrupted training schedules to damaged stadiums and logistical difficulties. The return of these teams highlights the resilience of the clubs and communities in the region and the coordinated efforts of local authorities and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to ensure that the competition can resume safely and fairly for all involved.

Gremio will take on Bragantino in Curitiba, located in Paraná, as their home stadium in Porto Alegre sustained significant flood damage. Meanwhile, Internacional and Juventude are slated to play away games in the seventh round.

In the eighth round, Internacional will face Criciuma outside Porto Alegre, while Juventude will host a match in their home city of Caxias do Sul. 

Next week, the technical council of Brazil’s top division will convene to finalize the remaining details of the Championship’s schedule, ensuring a smooth and coordinated restart to the season.

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