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May 10, 2024

Brazil’s sports chief calls for a suspension of all league activities due to flooding – Brazilian Serie A

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Brazil’s sports minister, Andre Fufuca, has called on the country’s football confederation (CBF) to temporarily suspend all football activities due to the unprecedented natural disaster recently impacting Rio Grande do Sul. This disaster has affected the local communities and disrupted the operations of prominent football clubs in the region. Fufuca emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety and solidarity in these challenging times, urging that the focus should shift towards supporting those affected by the crisis rather than continuing with everyday sporting events. He believes halting all football activities, including matches and training sessions, is necessary to allow the region to recover and demonstrate compassion for the hardships faced by many.

According to data provided by local government authorities, the impact of the heavy rains that swept through the southern state last week has been devastating. At least 85 people have tragically lost their lives, and 372 individuals have sustained injuries as a result of the extensive flooding. Furthermore, 131 people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about safety and well-being. The situation has forced over 159,000 residents to evacuate, leaving many displaced and seeking refuge from the severe conditions. The scale of the disaster highlights the urgent need for assistance and support for those affected as communities grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

The CBF Announced the Suspension of the Matches

The involvement of teams from Rio Grande do Sul, particularly prominent clubs such as Grêmio, Internacional, and Juventude, has sparked significant concern within the football community and beyond. These clubs are well-known for their rich histories and competitive spirit and play a vital role in the local culture and economy. The recent developments surrounding these teams have drawn attention to the broader implications of the situation, prompting discussions about the impact on players, fans, and the overall sporting landscape in the region. As the challenges these clubs face become more apparent, stakeholders are increasingly anxious about supporting their recovery and ensuring that football can continue to thrive amidst adversity.

Fufuca firmly believes that the current response to the ongoing situation is inadequate, underscoring the urgent need for more decisive action. He advocates temporarily suspending all national football competitions, emphasizing that this suspension should encompass both men’s and women’s leagues. In his view, pausing these activities is essential to effectively address the immediate challenges posed by the crisis and demonstrate a sense of solidarity with those affected. By halting all football events, attention can shift toward supporting recovery efforts and providing much-needed assistance to the impacted communities.

Fufuca’s stance reflects a broader commitment to prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities over sporting events during this critical time. He believes that while important, football should take a backseat regarding humanitarian considerations. This approach encourages unity and compassion, reminding everyone that the spirit of sport can be manifested through acts of support and kindness in times of need. By advocating for this temporary suspension, Fufuca aims to set an example for others in the sports community, reinforcing that solidarity is paramount under challenging times.

“Given the calamitous public scenario and the severe consequences from the floods for the population of Rio Grande do Sul, we will appeal to the CBF for the temporary suspension of the Brazilian Men’s and Women’s Football Championships,” Fufuca told ESPN Brasil.

“It should be stopped. It is a humanitarian and sporting loss. Stopping for two weeks would be reasonable. We will send a letter this Friday to the CBF, making ourselves available to dialogue and find a joint path.”

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