Football games in Argentina suspended due to coronavirus

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Argentina has suspended all football games due to be played in the country amid renewed restrictions to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the country's football association announced on Friday.

"The Argentine Football Association informs the public that in order to follow the health measures announced by President Alberto Fernandez, aimed at combating the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has decided to suspend the schedule of matches until May 30," the association said in a statement.

The 47th edition of Copa America was originally slated for 2020, but coronavirus forced the competition to be postponed for a year.

Argentina, together with Colombia, were set to host the competition from June 13-July 10. Colombia, however, was later dropped due to a series of protests against President Ivan Duque.

Brazil are the defending champions, who claimed their ninth Copa America title in 2019.

The new measures in Argentina will take effect from Saturday midnight until May 30, restricting the circulation and movement of people in areas of "high risk."

Face-to-face social, economic, educational, religious and sports activities will be suspended, while only essential services are permitted.

The republic, with a population of more than 45 million, has registered an excess of 3.4 million COVID-19 infections, and 72,699 related deaths.