Argentina

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In a big development coming in with regards to the Copa America football competition, Argentina has confirmed its participation in the tournament following controversy over the tournament's relocation to Brazil. While the event was earlier supposed to be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia, it had to be relocated to Brazil owing to COVID-19 cases and political rest in the countries respectively. Meanwhile, members of the Brazil football team have raised their concern over hosting the tournament in the country and a further clarification on their stance is expected on June 8.

Argentina Football Association's announcement comes as a massive surprise as it is coming in the middle of a controversy over whether the tournament should take place at all. There are reports suggesting negotiations between the captains of the respective teams to even boycott the tournament. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni even voiced his concern over the tournament taking place in Brazil, due to the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Difficult to agree with the decision: Argentina coach

"Surely the conditions [in Brazil] is equal or worse to our own," he was quoted as saying.

"From that point of view it is difficult to agree with the decision, but we still have to go. We are going to play, we are going to try to make the Copa America run as well as possible, but there are many unknowns," he added.

Copa America is scheduled to begin on June 13 this year as host Brazil lock horns with Venezuela to kick start the tournament. Meanwhile, Argentina will open its campaign against Chile on the following day. The finals of the competition is set to happen at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium on July 10.